Darumbal On Country at Nurim (Mount Archer) Preview

Mayimba (welcome) to Rockhampton, Queensland.

Mayimbagu Darumbal Nunthi – Welcome to Darumbal Country. Darumbal is the name of the Aboriginal people who have lived in, and call this part of Central Queensland Yaamba (home), for thousands of years. We come from thousands of generations of strong proud people. A physical, spiritual and emotional relationship, has existed between our country and ourselves from time immemorial. Today, we Darumbal people continue to practice our ancient culture and speak our language, which we now happily share with all others who also call this area Yaamba. Darumbal people are proud that they and other Indigenous people have worked hard in all different industries alongside non-Indigenous people to help make this place what it is today.

Yadaba wiyi binbigu yinhami narni gunhami wu mundarragu ngallirranga dabu nguga binbi narragu yirragu muli galagan. Please respect and be good to this country that gives life to us all, enjoy yourselves, and stay safe.

Nhaya Nicky Hatfield, Darumbal Elder

Nurim is home to a variety of animal species including goannas, wallabies, birds, snakes and scrub turkeys. Not only were the animals used as a vital food source for the Darumbal people, some animals, such as the goanna were used for medicinal purposes and other everyday living purposes.

While all Darumbal Country is special, Darumbal people have a particularly strong cultural connection to Nurim. The boardwalk provides many lookout points of Darumbal Country in its entirety. Nurim is a place of feeling at ease for Darumbal people, to reconnect with the flora and fauna that lives up there.

Rockhampton is located in the Fitzroy Valley. To the west is the Mount Morgan Range and to the north is the Connors Range – all of which holds great significance to the Darumbal people. In 2007, Mount Wheeler, located on the Rockhampton – Yeppoon Road, was formally handed back to the Darumbal People. It was given the Darumbal name Mount Gai-i. To the north of Mount Gai-I, is Mount Baga, formerly known as Mount Jim Crow.

During the great flood times, the Darumbal people would gather at Nurim and Waruin (the traditional Darumbal name of the Berserker Ranges). They would stay there until the flood waters receded before returning to their homes. The Mount Archer and Koongal area is geographically known by the Darumbal people as Nurimbra. When you look out from Nurimbra, you can sometimes see the sea, Baba and Gai-i.

Nurim is home to a wide range of bush tucker including the Nurim plant, which is also known as the native raspberry. Darumbal men are forbidden from eating this fruit unless they have received permission from the proper female elders to do so. Nurim is also known for its sandpaper figs, which were not only eaten, but the leaves were used to sand down instruments and weapons for the Darumbal people.

Darumbal People are the Traditional Custodians of the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Area.

Darumbal People have a strong continuous connection to Darumbal Land and Sea Country. With the intent to move forward and provide opportunities for progress and growth of the Darumbal people, they protect all aspects of their culture that have been a part of their history for thousands of years.

Under the State of Queensland legislation, Darumbal Enterprise is the Cultural Heritage Body for the Darumbal Native Title Claim area. Their purpose is to undertake cultural heritage in accordance with the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

Darumbal Cultural Heritage Team offer valuable consultation and facilitation services to ensure cultural heritage obligations are achieved. They have extensive knowledge of Darumbal Country, environment, lore, customs, areas of significance and artefacts.

Darumbal Enterprises offer many services including support programs, educational workshops and ceremony services.

Advance Rockhampton proudly work in consultation with Darumbal Enterprises as the traditional custodians of Darumbal Country.