Many Rivers Aboriginal Language Centre

Muurrbay auspices Many Rivers Aboriginal Language Centre, a regional language centre that provides strategic support for Aboriginal communities of coastal NSW who want to revitalise their languages. Seven languages are supported, covering the NSW coastal strip from the Queensland border to the Hawkesbury River. From north to south these are: the Bundjalung – Yugambeh dialect chain; Yaygirr; ; Dhanggati; Gathang (Birrbay, Warrimay and ); Muurrbay Hunter River & Lake Macquarie Language (/ Aboriginal Language ); and Darkinyung. We work closely with Elders and local language, culture and Culture Co-operative and educational organisations to conduct research, publish accessible grammars and dictionaries and develop Nambucca Heads engaging educational courses and resources. Many Rivers has supported several recording and publishing projects with language groups throughout coastal NSW, such as: • developing Dhanggati teaching resources • translating Yaygirr placenames for a Yaygirr signage project • videoing language, culture and stories of Bundjalung Elders Languages supported by Muurrbay - Many Rivers

Muurrbay Aboriginal Language Many Rivers Aboriginal and Culture Co-operative Language Centre

Ken Walker Gary Williams Anna Ash Chairperson Language Researcher Co-ordinator

Phone: 0265 694 294 Phone: 0265 685 695 Fax: 0265 694 295 Fax: 0265 694 295 Mobile: 0488 126 875 Mobile: 0404 456 992 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Muurrbay Tree by Gumbaynggirr-Bundjalung 14 Bellwood Road artist Sharon Smith Nambucca Heads NSW 2448 www.muurrbay.org.au

Muurrbay aims to support Aboriginal people, particularly Gumbaynggirr, in the revival Recording Bundjalung Language and maintenance of their language and culture, L-R Charlie Taikakara, Poppy Harry Walker, Andrew Ingram and so strengthen their sense of identity, and Gary Williams self-esteem and links to country. Muurrbay Publications

Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative is a Muurrbay has published widely in the area of Aboriginal language leading Aboriginal language centre and publisher of quality and culture including six grammar–dictionaries of NSW Aboriginal Book list research. The Co-op began in 1986, when Gumbaynggirr Elders languages, teaching resources and short stories. In-depth • A handbook of Aboriginal languages of joined together to revive their language. Muurrbay means ‘white research, community consultation and peer review ensure good and the Australian Capital Territory $135.00. fig tree’ in the Gumbaynggirr language, the white fig playing an quality grammar–dictionaries which provide a strong foundation • A Salvage Grammar and Word List of the Language from important role in the Dreamtime. for community language revitalisation and reinforce the important the Hunter River & Lake Macquarie $40.00. status of these languages. • Dhanggati grammar and dictionary with Dhanggati stories Muurrbay is a registered training organisation and is based in the $50.00. Muurrbay was proud to publish the ground-breaking survey by old church on Bellwood Road where Gumbaynggirr language classes • Gumbaynggirr Bijaarr Jandaygam, Ngaawa Gugaarrigam: Jim Wafer and Amanda Lissarrague A Handbook of Aboriginal began in 1997. We continue to grow as a centre for Aboriginal Gumbaynggirr Dictionary and Learner’s Grammar $60.00. Languages of NSW and the ACT. This is a valuable reference and language and cultural • Darkinyung grammar and dictionary: revitalising a educational resource, useful to Aboriginal people who want to activities. These include language from historical sources $40.00. revitalise their languages and to those in the broader community teaching Gumbaynggirr • Gathang grammar and dictionary with Gathang Stories, language in school and who want to know more about our rich linguistic heritage. $50.00. community groups and Educational resources include Barriyala Let’s Work Gumbaynggirr • Yaygirr dictionary and grammar, forthcoming 2010. developing an on-line Language Student Workbooks and Mayalambala–Let’s Move It a • Barriyala: Let’s Work Gumbaynggirr Language Student version of the Certificate poster-based teaching resource with over 200 pictures of people Workbook 1, 2 & 3 $20.00 each. II Gumbaynggirr and things that learners can manipulate. These resources can be • Mayalambala - Let’s Move It $120.00 or $150.00 Language course. adapted to support different languages. laminated. Muurrbay co-ordinates • Bamay Possum’s Party (book & CD) $16.50. the Sydney-based Muurrbay also markets the autobiography Nganyundiya • Dulaybam Dunggiirr Grey-faced Wallaby and Koala, A Aboriginal Languages Miimingundiya Jagunda (Into My Mother’s Country) by Gumbaynggirr Dreaming Story $25.00. Summer School in Gumbaynggirr Elder, Aunty Jessie Williams. Aunty Jessie was born three languages: in Nambucca Heads in 1924, her fascinating life story gives insight For more information, and to place an order, go to Aunty Pauline teaching local Goori kids their /, into Aboriginal ways of healing. Muurrbay is recording the oral www.muurrbay.org.au or to pay via PayPal, please email your Gumbaynggirr language Gumbaynggirr and histories of several Elders with a view to publishing their stories. order to [email protected] . We also have an Information Technology hub providing people with access to computers and the internet.

Muurrbay Staff Creator Beings Birrugan and Gawnggan L-R: Dallas Walker, Pauline Hooler, Ken Walker (Chairperson), Gary Williams and Sue Tomkins by Gumbaynggirr-Bundjalung artist Sharon Smith Our range of publications