The Malaami project was born from the recognition that climate resilience and cultural preservation are deeply interconnected. It is a space where we come together to learn how to care for Country, guided by the teachings of Gumbaynggirr custodians through the process of deep listening.

Malaami, a Gumbaynggirr word meaning ‘back to origin,’ represents our commitment to returning to the wisdom of the land and its traditional custodians. We are honoured to have been gifted permission to use this word by Gumbaynggirr Elder, Gawa (Uncle) Micklo, and the Muurrbay Language Centre.

At the heart of Malaami is a profound respect for the longest unbroken lineage of a self-sustaining culture in the world. We believe that ancient knowledge, passed down through generations of Gumbaynggirr custodians, offers invaluable insights that can guide us toward a more harmonious and sustainable way of living.

At Malaami gatherings, we amplify Gumbaynggirr voices, providing a platform where knowledge holders and wisdom keepers can choose to share their stories, teachings, and insights with the wider community—to help carve a new path forward.

Malaami Project Launch

The Malaami Launch took place over two inspiring days, made possible by the Reconnecting Regional Communities grant, and underscored the deep connection between climate resilience and cultural preservation.

On the first day, we celebrated Gumbaynggirr culture through dance, stories, and songs, under the theme Learning through Culture. The day featured performances by the Buddaabang Bari Dance Group, as well as powerful storytelling and song.

We also hosted several panel discussions with key members of the Gumbaynggirr community, including:

• Conversation #1: Custodians of the Bellinger with Auntie Lisa Kelly, Uncle Richard Kelly, and Uncle Micklo Jarrett.

• Conversation #2: Cultural Land Management and Sovereignty with Nathan Brennan, Dr. Chels Marshall, and Rhys Pacey.

On the second day, we facilitated a community workshop where participants came together to create a working plan for a climate-resilient Bellingen Shire. Drawing from the insights of the Learning from Country gathering, the 4 Lenses workshop focused on reimagining local food supply, energy production, land and water management, emerging economic systems, and community health and wellbeing.

A key aim of the launch was to continue working towards decolonising local land management practices, realigning them with the traditional knowledge and practices of the Gumbaynggirr people.

Malaami provides a platform that bridges the gap between Gumbaynggirr knowledge holders and the broader community. One of the most powerful moments at the project launch was when Uncle Cecil Briggs chose to share his personal story. This deeply humbling moment gave rise to our first Malaami Conversation, creating a space for the community to listen to the stories, knowledge, and wisdom of Uncle Cecil.

Building on the success of these gatherings, we were honoured to receive a grant from the Women’s Environmental Leadership Awards (WELA). This support enables us to continue hosting Malaami gatherings throughout 2024 and into 2025, including sharing circles focused on the elements: Waagay/Fire, Ngaarlu/Water, Wajarr/Earth, and Muya-ngarra/Air.

Waagay:
CelebratiNG Fire & Knowledge

On May 25th, 2024, we hosted the Waagay gathering, which honoured the sacred and vital role of fire in Gumbaynggirr culture.

The event opened with a film screening highlighting the impactful work of Rhys and other cultural burning advocates. We encourage you check out more via the Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation.

The gathering featured powerful stories, showcasing the deep Gumbaynggirr knowledge of fire management on Country. Knowledge holders shared their wisdom and experiences with our community, many of whom manage large tracts of bushland. Reviving traditional fire management practices is a crucial act of decoloniality, and it was humbling for us to learn how cultural burning not only regenerates ecosystems but also helps prevent catastrophic bushfires.

The gathering fostered connections between landowners and traditional fire practitioners, with many offering to collaborate on cultural burning for land regeneration, done in the proper way.

One of our key goals is to challenge the stigma around bushland and fire—a pervasive issue across Australia. We are proud to contribute to shifting this perception through the revival of traditional knowledge and practices.

A notable moment at the gathering was the presence of Colin from the RFS (Rural Fire Service), who attended for the first time to engage with Gumbaynggirr fire knowledge holders. We initially thought an established relationship existed between the RFS and local fire practitioners, but this meeting helped create a solid foundation for future collaboration. This was a standout moment, reinforcing the power of Malaami gatherings in connecting the right people in the right places.

Ngaarlu:
Gumbaynggirr nyami gayi 

On September 8th, 2024, we hosted our water gathering, Gumbaynggirr Nyami Gayi Ngaarlu, meaning “Gumbaynggirr women talking water.” This powerful event featured a panel of Gumbaynggirr women knowledge holders.

The gathering honoured the element of water and the tradition of knowledge sharing. It provided a special opportunity to connect with the wisdom of Gumbaynggirr women from three generations, who shared the vital role of water within Gumbaynggirr culture. The event began with a sacred water ritual, a blessing that deepened our connection to the waterways of Gumbaynggirr Country.

Aunty Lisa Kelly and Dr. Chels Marshall shared;

“From the ripples of energy and the flow of life, Ngaarlu (water) awakens the senses of nurturing and responsibility for Gumbaynggirr Jagun (homelands). For thousands of years, Gumbaynggirr people have used water for ceremony and LORE. In line with our Gumbaynggirr creation and stories we will be discussing the cultural needs and requirements of healthy clean water in Gumbaynggirr Jagun. The event will offer a gathering of Gumbaynggirr women elders and knowledge holders on a panel who will yarn about the importance of water for mind, body, spirit and soul – and for looking after Kin – as well as future directions for nurturing Cultural integrity of women and water.” 

Malaami Musings / What We Are Uncovering as Time Goes On

All Malaami gatherings have included an element of truth-telling. We recognise the importance of acknowledging the deep and ongoing impact that colonisation has had on these lands over the last 237 years—its continuing damage to culture, communities, land, and families. We create space for deep listening, collectively processing these painful truths, as we come together as descendants of pre-colonial First Nations peoples, colonisers, settlers, and immigrants.

There is significant healing happening within our local community as we work through this truth-telling together. Our aim is to co-create a community that is actively working towards decolonisation.

Through our work at Malaami, we hope the lessons we’re learning here will ripple out into the wider world.

As we continue organising Malaami gatherings, we acknowledge that we are on a learning journey, discovering how to respectfully approach cross-cultural collaboration. This process also involves decolonising our thinking as we plan these gatherings. We are continually evolving in our understanding of how to do this in the most respectful and thoughtful way.

Inspired to get involved? Contact us.