A Moruya River Story Launch

SOUTHERN RIVERS CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY MEDIA RELEASE

Page 1 of 2 6 December 2011

The Deua – A Moruya River Story launch

Over 100 people attended the book launch of The Deua – A Moruya River Story, written by Moruya Public School (MPS) students as part of a Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and MPS writing initiative.

The launch was held at Riverside Park on the Moruya River and was attended by MPS teachers, students and parents, representatives from Southern Rivers CMA, NSW Department of Education and Training, Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Auswide Projects and South Eastern Aboriginal Regional Management Services.

Southern Rivers CMA Chair, Pam Green said 27 MPS primary school students from years 5 and 6 participated in a research excursion in October to learn about the Deua catchment’s plants and animals, Aboriginal, culture and heritage and the local industries which rely upon the River.

“The children worked as a team during October and November to produce the book which is written in English and the local Aboriginal Dhurga language,” Mrs Green said.

“They demonstrated a deep understanding and appreciation for the River and wrote about the importance of protecting this precious resource and maintaining the Indigenous culture associated with it.

“The book will be used not only as a valuable educational resource, but to promote and protect our unique catchments to the wider community and to the many thousands of visitors to the region each year.

“As the students move on to high school, this valuable resource will remain with Moruya Public School for future students and the wider community to enjoy.”

This is the second book in the “Protect our future – protect our river” book initiative. The first being The Bhunduu – The Clyde River Story written by Batemans Bay Public School students in July.

This project is supported by the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country initiative and NSW Government through Catchment Action NSW.

Copies of the book can be purchased through Moruya Public School by contacting 02 4474 2363.

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Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority Level 1, 84 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 l PO Box 3095, Wollongong East NSW 2500 Telephone: 02 4224 9700 l Facsimile: 02 4224 9669 l Website: www.southern.cma.nsw.gov.au

Page 2 of 2 COMMENTS:

Jackie French, Author: “A brilliant concept. A tribute not just to the land and culture but those inspired to carry it out. All the very best indeed.”

Fergus Thomson Mayor, Eurobodalla Shire Council: “This is the second book about the wonderful rivers in this Shire, with the first covering the Clyde River. Our major rivers – the Tuross, the Deua-Moruya and the Clyde – not only supply us with water but also provide a link to our earliest inhabitants. I hope everyone enjoys reading this book about one of our iconic rivers.

Kerry Boyenga President, Lower South Coast Regional Aboriginal Education Consultative Group: “Walawaani Njindiwan, This is a very valuable educational resource because of the content and use of the Dhurga language. The historical information, the stories and the pictorial representations are superb. This is a resource that will be widely sought after by community members, schools and those interested in the protection of our beautiful waterways.”

Pam Green Chair, Southern Rivers CMA: “The Deua - A Moruya River Story draws on the rich history and significant Aboriginal culture of the region. The book is a story of life. Life of the River, the landscapes it flows through and the people whose lives and wellbeing depend on it. The children who have written this story and those who now enjoy all of the beauty and benefits it provides will determine the River's future. Their knowledge and connection through this project and the interest this book will inspire in others is an important legacy.

***ENDS***

Caption: Moruya Public Schools students at the recent book launch of The Deua – A Moruya River Story. Top row (left to right): Lani Johnson, Levi Howlett, Yoslo Polat, Levi Lee, Caitlin Douglas Front Row: Cailtyn Lees, Pearl Mitchell, Tasharna Nye, Janya Smith, Emily Hines

Media contacts: Pam Green Debra Thompson Chair Communications and Media Officer Southern Rivers CMA Southern Rivers CMA Telephone: (0438) 608 790 Telephone: (02) 4224 9707 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]