Celebrating 20 Years of Land Return: Yuin People Honour Sacred Parks
The stunning natural beauty of the NSW south coast is more than just a picturesque landscape; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Yuin people. A vibrant festival recently celebrated a significant milestone: two decades since the historic handback of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks to their traditional owners. Nestled between the towns of Bega and Narooma, these sacred lands, including the revered Gulaga and Biamanga mountains, were formally returned to the Yuin custodians in 2006, marking a profound moment of recognition and justice.
Hundreds gathered at the foothills of Gulaga, near Tilba, to commemorate this significant anniversary. The sentiment of the occasion was eloquently captured by Walbunja woman, Aunty Roslyn Field, who described the handback as “the return of what was always ours.” She emphasised that the celebration transcended a mere anniversary, serving as “a living reminder of who we are, where we come from, and the strength of our ancestors.” Aunty Roslyn, who chairs the Gulaga Board of Management, highlighted the deeper meaning of the handback, stating, “it was more than a transfer of title; it was a moment of truth, recognition and justice for Aboriginal people.”
The Spiritual Significance of Gulaga and Biamanga
The spiritual and cultural importance of these parks cannot be overstated. Gulaga, affectionately known as Mother Mountain, is considered the spiritual heart of creation. It has historically been a sanctuary for Aboriginal women, a place for profound storytelling, sacred ceremonies, and the welcoming of new life through childbirth. In contrast, Biamanga is a traditional men’s domain, holding deep significance as a site for initiations where young boys would undergo the rites of passage to become men.
For the past 20 years, the Gulaga and Biamanga Boards of Management, under the guidance of elders like Aunty Roslyn, have been diligently stewarding these parks in a powerful partnership with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. This collaborative approach ensures the preservation of the land’s natural and cultural heritage, while also fostering a deep connection for future generations.
A Legacy for the Future
Aunty Roslyn stressed the importance of honouring the elders who tirelessly campaigned for the return of this ancestral land. Their fight, she explained, was not just for their generation but for the generations to come. “The handback was never just about being for one generation; it was always about those who would come after us,” she declared. “It’s our responsibility to ensure they know the stories, walk the tracks, fill the spirit of the place and understand what it means to belong.” This intergenerational responsibility is a cornerstone of the ongoing management and celebration of these parks.
The Journey to Handback: “Always Was, Always Will Be”
The proclamation of Biamanga National Park in 1994 and Gulaga National Park in 2001 laid the groundwork for the eventual handback. The path to this landmark achievement was paved by the unwavering dedication of elders such as Guboo Ted Thomas and Percy Mumbulla, who spearheaded a significant land rights campaign. Their advocacy culminated in the historic return of the parks to the Yuin people in May 2006.
Uncle Bunja Smith, Chair of the Biamanga Board of Management and a Yuin man himself, vividly recalls witnessing the passionate efforts of elders like Uncle Ted and Uncle Percy fighting for their ancestral lands. “I was their age, watching those fellas fight for the mountains,” he shared. “Now it’s my turn to pass that on, to make sure that in another 20 years, they’re having another celebration, much like this one.” His words encapsulate the enduring commitment to safeguarding this legacy and ensuring its continuity.
The handbacks of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks are part of a broader movement in NSW, representing two of seven such successful land returns within the state. Bob Debus, who served as the NSW environment minister during the time of the handback, reflected on the profound significance of the event. He expressed his satisfaction that the partnership continues to thrive. “There was a feeling of elation that we had managed to bring this concept to reality,” he stated. “For lots of white people, there was a tremendous feeling of relief that we could do something good for First Nations people, not bad.” This sentiment underscores a growing understanding and commitment to reconciliation.
The 20-year anniversary celebration of the Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks handback also coincided with National Reconciliation Week, a timely reminder of the ongoing journey towards a more just and equitable future for all Australians. The event served not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a powerful affirmation of the enduring connection between the Yuin people and their ancestral lands, a connection that will undoubtedly continue to flourish for generations to come.
Leave a Reply