Celebrating the arrival of ‘buluunggal’ in Nambucca Heads

THE fifth annual Buluunggal (Mullet) Festival will take place at the V-Wall, Nambucca Heads on Saturday, celebrating the arrival of buluunggal in the Nambucca River and the enduring connections of Gumbaynggirr people to Country.

Led by the vision of recently passed Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Bud Marshall, the festival continues this year as an ongoing expression of his commitment to respect, connection and togetherness.

In planning the event, Uncle Bud had said that “everyone is invited to come join us to celebrate the ongoing significance of the mullet run for relationships with Country”.

“I want this to be a fun day for people to experience how strong this place is and to connect with Gumbaynggirr culture,” he said.

“The day is about connection and respect.

“That is the important thing and the main thing I want to share.”

The festival will include Gumbaynggirr storytelling, carving and weaving tents, dance, music, stalls, and a mullet BBQ.

Performers include Jumbaal Dreamin’, Emma Donovan, Michael Donovan, Allira Williams, Gunganbu, and Hot Mess.

Part of Uncle Bud’s vision for the festival this year was to connect Māori and Gumbaynggirr people to share and learn from one another.

Thanks to community fundraising and organising efforts to fulfil his vision, Māori dance and musical groups will perform at the festival.

Uncle Bud’s nieces Hannah Smith and Elaine Carmady are co-organisers of the event.

“In Aboriginal culture, Country brings us together as one big family,” they said.

“Whether you are related or not, our culture is inclusive of everyone… it’s about that togetherness… so to care for Country is to care for everybody.”

All are welcome to this family-friendly community celebration.

A free shuttle bus to and from the V-Wall will be operating from outside the Nambucca RSL from 9.30am to 5pm.

The event runs from 10am–4.30pm on Saturday, 2 May.