Forestry of NSW : Sealy Lookout cultural shows highlight region’s Gumbaynggirr heritage

11 Jan 2017 - Elizabeth Fowler

A new cultural experience developed by Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation is offering visitors to the award-winning Sealy Lookout and Korora Lookout in Orara East State Forest a unique insight into the region's Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan's Clark Webb said visitors would enjoy more than two hours of songs, dance and bush tucker as well as dreamtime stories about local landforms along a guided walk from Sealy Lookout to Korora Lookout.

'Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan is focussed on promoting Gumbaynggirr language and culture, and these cultural showcases are a fantastic opportunity for us to share some of our language and heritage with the local community as well as with visitors to our region,' Mr Webb said.

'The views from Sealy Lookout and Korora Lookout take in many landforms that have significance in Gumbaynggirr culture, so they are ideal locations to introduce people to our history and share some of our stories about these special places.

'The first showcase on Saturday evening was a great success and we are looking forward to welcoming more visitors over the coming weeks.'

Peter O'Brien from Coffs Harbour, who attended the first cultural showcase on Saturday evening said it was an enjoyable and welcoming afternoon that provided a unique insight into local Aboriginal language, songs and culture.

'It was a remarkable experience and rare opportunity to embrace Gumbaynggirr culture. The smell of smoke, damper on the fire, stories of the ancient past and the view from Korora Lookout is a must do for locals and travellers alike,' Peter said.

Forestry Corporation of NSW's Strategic Projects and Programs Leader Justin Black said the new cultural showcases neatly complemented the new Gumgali Track, which was developed in collaboration with Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan, the Coffs Harbour and District Local Aboriginal Land Council and Coffs Elders Group to tell the story of Gumgali the black goanna.

'These cultural showcases are exciting new experiences that highlight the rich cultural heritage of one of the best vantage points overlooking Coffs Harbour and we're proud to be partnering with Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan to host these unique events in Orara East State Forest,' Mr Black said.

'Forestry Corporation has worked closely with local Aboriginal land councils and traditional owner groups for many years to identify and protect the rich history of Aboriginal cultural heritage in State forests and facilitate access for cultural activities and we're excited to continue building on these relationships.'

The shows will run every Saturday at 4pm during the January school holidays and once a month thereafter. Shows cost $20 per adult, $10 per child or $50 for a family of four. Bookings through Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan Aboriginal Corporation.

Media contact: Elizabeth Fowler 9407 4265/ 0408 779 903