Our new directors and dual name
Since 2023, some 250 of us have been 'walking together’ to support local Aboriginal initiatives and dreams in the Ulladulla area.
In 2025, we became an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, registed under the CATSI Act with ORIC as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO).
We continue to be a volunteer non-profit community group, welcoming Aboriginal and non-Indigenous volunteers.
yana-mba njindiwan (Walking Together)
Our dual language name is: yana-mba njindiwan (Walking Together)
yana-mba njindiwan is the Dhurga language translation of Walking Together.
yana- = to walk
-mba = in an ongoing, continued action
yindiwan = you three or more (which is spelt 'njindiwan' when it comes after a vowel, as in 'walawaani njindiwan')
Dhurga uses only lowercase letters in its written form - except for the name of the language itself, which is capitalised as 'Dhurga'.
We would like to thank Michelle McBride for helping with this translation with advice from Trish Ellis and Gayle Nolan who work tirelessly in revitalising the Dhurga language.
Using Aboriginal language is important for recognition and respect. It also keeps people connected to community, culture and Country.
Dhurga is the traditional language from approximately south of Nowra to Narooma inclusive of Braidwood and Araluen.
Our directors
Our volunteer Board of Directors is made up of Aboriginal people who determine our shared goals and priorities based on lived experience and knowledge of culture, community and Country. This Aboriginal leadership structure safeguards self-determination while continuing to welcome much-needed non-Indigenous volunteers in allyship.
Mitchell Lasker - Chair & Director
Victor Channell - Director
Adam Gowen - Director
Anne Carriage - Director
Takesa Frank - Director
Sharon Bunyan - Director
Thanks and acknowledgements
We thank and acknowledge Elders who paved the way in the 1980s by establishing the first local ACCOs - the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council to care for Country and community, and Wandarma Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group to be a voice for Aboriginal families in schools.
We thank and acknowledge the Ulladulla LALC, AECG and Waminda for working closely with us on our journey so far.
We thank YOU for your support. It is the full-hearted commitment of beautiful people in this group that's made this possible.
These photographs celebrate initiatives resulting from our collective efforts so far.
Goals
Our goals help drive our shared vision for the future, while we build upon these existing initiatives:
Promote self-determination and pride in Aboriginal identity.
Educate and raise awareness about Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing, to create a better understanding of Indigenous peoples and how to care for Country.
Support local initiatives that provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to participate in a range of culturally-affirming social, cultural, education and employment programs and activities.
Educate and raise awareness about issues that have an impact on the health and well-being of Aboriginal people and their families.