Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
The Ballina Coast and Hinterland is the traditional Nyangbul Country of the Bundjalung Nation. The Nyangbul people have cared for this land for thousands of generations and continue to do so today. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Nyangbul custodianship of the Ballina Shire area dates back many thousands of generations. Together with all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the Nyangbul people are part of the oldest continuing culture in the world. Today, they continue to practise culture, speak language, care for Country, and share knowledge. Recognising this living culture deepens our understanding and appreciation of Ballina Shire’s rich heritage.
Jingii-wala
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Nyangbal land where we gather on coastal Bundjalung Country.
Ngalii ngaa Buulinaa mang-gaaling blug-gan-mee bulaan-gii Nyangbul jaaguun Bundjalung burrii jaaguun, Buurra-garra
Who have respected and cared for this Country since the beginning of time.
Garrimaa-lee-laa ngali jaaguun gunnuu, Guurii-aa-buu Buutheram.
We pay our respect to Elders, past, present and future.
Djanda-mandi garimaa ngali Ngali-ngaa naa Nguthung, Nguthung-gan guurii-aa buu, Bee-aan, ngubuu-gan.
Thank you.
Buugle-bee blog-gan-mee.
“Language goes with Country; they go hand in hand. Knowing language helps us better understand Country.”
Aboriginal Cultural Ways Walk
Cultural Ways is an invitation from Ballina’s Aboriginal community to gain a deeper understanding of this place and its community. Cultural Ways passes near sites and story places that have great significance to our local Aboriginal community.
These sites and places, oral histories and memories, together with early accounts of non-Aboriginal people coming to the region help to build a greater understanding of this rich landscape and its people.
Cultural Ways endeavours to interpret the cultural knowledge and contemporary experiences that have been shared with us to foster a greater connection to place and caring for Country.
Explore more
Respecting the Land and Its Traditional Custodians
Follow signage and stay on designated paths.
Seek guidance from Traditional Custodians where appropriate.
Approach Aboriginal art, stories, and history with respect.
Contact Information & Resources
Ballina Visitor Information Centre: 1800 777 666
Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council: (02) 6686 7055
