Traditional owners tell their stories in a new way

Three First Nations groups from the Mungo National Park and Willandra Lakes Region World Heritage Area have launched a new mobile app called Mungo Stories: Walk Together.

The app has been launched in partnership with SharingStories Foundation, NSW Parks and Wildlife Service and students at Mildura Primary School. 

The Barkandji/Paakantyi, Mutthi Mutthi and Ngiyampaa communities worked together to create the free mobile app designed to offer visitors to the region a more dynamic experience of the park’s heritage. 

The app features ten living stories narrated by First Nations Custodians who led the work on Country and is accessible only when on Country.

Each of the stories is discovered by the app user via story markers which have been placed throughout the National Park. 

Using the app’s GPS map technology, visitors find locations within the park where they scan markers to unlock videos that share stories and knowledge from the three tribal groups. 

For a one-minute, promotional video of the Mungo Stories: Walk Together app, visit here.

The stories are narrated by Elders and include animations illustrated by school students and Ngiyampaa artist, Nola Taylor. 

The culture app is designed as an introduction to the region’s cultural heritage and complements tours run by the Mungo National Park’s Aboriginal Discovery Rangers. 

“The Willandra lakes is a very special place, as it tells us about how our ancestors once lived, evidence of how they survived an ice age, clues to what animals they ate and how they hunted them," says Barkandji/Paakantyi Traditional Owner Uncle Ivan Johnston. 

"Not only is this place significant for Aboriginal people,but also for non-Aboriginal people to learn about human history.” 

For more info visit https://sharingstoriesfoundation.org/mungo-stories, https://sharingstoriesfoundation.org/ and https://visitmungo.com.au/. 

Farewell The Colony, hello Maya Maya

Mandoon Estate's The Colony accommodation - one of the most popular places to stay in the Swan Valley wine region - has been rebadged to acknowledge Traditional Owners.

Mandoon, a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences of Australia, says the change reflects its commitment and connection to Country.

The name of  the 32-room retreat has been changed to 'Maya Maya' - which means 'camp' in local language.

The land on which Mandoon Estate now resides was a popular camping location for the Whadjuk Noongar people, due to its rich resources.

The move is described as "mirroring Mandoon's steadfast dedication to fostering cultural awareness and inclusivity."

In 2022, Mandoon Estate commenced a transformative journey by embarking on a 'Reflect' Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The rename was an integral aspect of this journey. It was guided by Nelson Waite, Mandoon Estate's cultural development co-ordinator, in collaboration with local Traditional Custodians.

"Undergoing the change to Maya Maya, we embark on a fresh chapter that not only mirrors our dedication to luxury, but also honours cultural inclusivity, welcoming guests to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Swan Valley,” said Mandoon Estate general manager Travers O'Rafferty.

"Tthe change honours and shows respect for the history of the Whadjuk Noongar people and what existed before us."

Kate Shilling, executive officer of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, said that Mandoon was leading the way when it came to celebrating its Indigenous heritage.

“The Swan Valley region holds a rich history, and Mandoon Estate offers a unique opportunity to listen to the stories of this area and learn about local Indigenous food and culture from Noongar Elder, Dale Tilbrook,” she said.

Mandoon Estate engaged artist Samaja Miller - a young Aboriginal woman from the Minang and Kaneang people - to create the new logo for the accommodation, which represents the camp, the soil and the Swan River.

Farewell Fraser Island; hello K'gari

The world's largest sand island has reclaimed its traditional name, with Fraser Island now known as K'gari.

As of this week, the Queensland World-Heritage listed island is known by its original name, as used by the local Butchulla People for more than 10,000 years.

“In our creation stories, our stories handed down by generations, it has always been K'gari and always will be,” said Aunty Gayle Minniecon, chairperson of the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation.

The change of name for the 122km-long island was announced by the Queensland Government.

K'gari was Gaining UNESCO World Heritage Area status in 1992.



“K’gari is one of those places that is incredibly well known, not just nationally but internationally," says Dr Rose Barrowcliffe, a post doctoral research fellow and Butchulla woman.

"We have a huge amount of international visitors that come to see K’gari every year. So, what we are doing when we are respecting Indigenous place names, is we are respecting Indigenous culture.

“Australia has the oldest continuously living cultures in the world. It’s the most unique thing about us as a continent and a destination. So, by honouring Indigenous cultures and using place names, we are raising up the culture and saying we are proud of it. And we are showcasing a unique part of our offering to the world.”

Located 300km north of the Queensland capital, Brisbane, K’gari is a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said K’gari was one of Queensland and Australia’s most spectacular places to visit.

“K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and she has ancient stories to tell and breathtaking moments for visitors to enjoy,” she said.

Every year between June and November, a convoy of humpback whales migrating south for the summer pass K'gari.