Bagala Traditional Owners

The Bagala TOs are a Jawoyn clan group who are the
recognised land owners of the Barunga and Wugularr
communities, located on the Beswick Aboriginal Land Trust.
Bagala TOs are defined as the patrilineal descendants of the
Lamjorroc, Bulumbara, Moreen and Anderson ancestors.

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Barunga Festival

Barunga Festival is a must for anyone seeking an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience. An iconic family friendly event on the national festival calendar, Barunga boasts a long and proud tradition of celebrating Indigenous music, culture and sport.

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The Barunga StatemenT

The Indigenous owners and occupiers of Australia”, requesting the Australian government legislate for national land rights and begin treaty negotiations.

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Strategic Priorities and Objectives

Economic Development

  • Invest in the growth and capacity building of BAC
  • Provide training for residents aligned with employment and business opportunities
  • Develop local employment opportunities
  • Regain control of community assets

Health & Community Wellbeing

  • Explore opportunities for TOs to support or develop local initiatives
  • Ensure the safety of community members
  • Improve health, wellbeing and education

Infrastructure & Housing

  • Utilise JAAC as the preferred contractor for civil and construction works in community
  • Generate economic opportunities through leasing of assets
  • Revise Barunga and Wugularr town plans, service delivery and assets with NTG partners

Culture & Heritage

  • Protect and preserve culture and heritage
  • Develop a strategy to share culture and history
  • Support positive and culturally-appropriate practices on Bagala Country

Board Of Directors

Esther Bulumbara

Chairperson

details here

Braun Bush

Deputy Chairperson

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Raelene Bulumbara

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Crystal Bulumbara

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Gwyn Bulumbara

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Ambrose Bulumbara

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Charlane Bulumbara

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Damien Bulumbara

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Protocol

You are guests on Jawoyn land.

Respect

Dress conservatively and be sun wise. Please respect the community and stay within festival areas and camping grounds. Please show respect and ask permission to take an individual’s photograph.

respect for Aboriginal heritage and culture, and the rights of Aboriginal people to own and control their culture. This includes respect for customs, points of view and lifestyle.

Smoking Ceremonies

A smoking ceremony is an ancient custom among some Aboriginal tribes that involves smoldering various native plants to produce smoke which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits and are still performed today. They are also used in the context of healing, spiritual renewal and strengthening by some Aboriginal healing practitioners. This ceremony is a ritual of purification and unity and is undertaken by an Aboriginal person with specialised cultural knowledge. Given the significant nature of the ceremony, it is usually only performed at events regarded as appropriate by the Aboriginal community.

Sorry Business

It is very important to recognise that for many communities, the expectation is that funerals will involve the whole community. Not just family and close friends as is common in some non-Indigenous communities. In some First Nations communities, a period of Sorry Business prohibits other events, meetings or consultations from happening. This must be respected by all people working with land councils, First Nations people and organisations.

During this period community access to public may be restricted or prohibited.