Conversations on Country

Birpai people have long shared the oral history of a massacre at Blackmans Point near Port Macquarie in 1826. Around 300 men, women and children were killed but the event was never officially recognised. Aunty Rhonda Radley is a proud Birpai Dunghutti woman born in Port Macquarie. She shares the story and reflects on its continuing impact.

Uncle Michael Jarrett is a proud Gumbaynggirr Elder living in Nambucca Heads on the Mid North Coast of NSW. He explains how the central relationship between land, people and the living world is both spiritual and practical.

Aunty Margaret Beaven is a proud Worimi Elder from Karuah who was separated from her siblings as part of the Stolen Generations. She shares the story of finding her brother and sisters.

Nancy and Aunty Cheryl are proud Dunghutti women from South West Rocks on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Their deep connection to country is continuing, particularly sea country around South West Rocks and Smokey Cape beach.

Uncle John Kelly and Uncle Fred Kelly are two proud Dunghutti Elders from Kempsey on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Known as the Sunrise people, Dunghutti people believe in having a strong mind and a strong body, but most importantly a strong spirit. They're working to pass Dunghutti spirituality and culture on to the next generation.

Aunty Sue Hoskins (nee Ferguson) is a proud Gumbaynggirr Elder living in Coffs Harbour. In this episode of Conversations on Country she tells her story of growing up at Ferguson's Cottage, now recognised as a local landmark.

Biripi man Benn Stewart is part of an effort to revitalise the Gathang language spoken by the Biripi and Worimi peoples on the Mid North Coast of NSW. He works with both young people and Elders who are reclaiming language that was taken from them.

Aunty Lyn Davis and Aunty Janice Paulson discuss their connection to Country and their memories of growing up on Tobwabba Mission in Forster on Worimi Country.

A series of stories of place, culture and being, shared by Elders of the Gumbaynggirr, Biripi, Dunghutti and Worimi nations from the Mid North Coast of NSW.