Kalari Mothers Day Message 

Mothers’ Day is celebrated in Australia this Sunday 9 May.  

Learn how to say ‘mother’ in Yuggera: ‘Budang’ (Boo-dung)! 

This year we have a special story about Neveah’s (one of our year three students) nan or ‘Gami’, Aunty Ollie. Gami is a Darumbal woman and is fourth generation from Neveah. You can learn more about Darumbal country in the Central Queensland area here https://darumbal.com.au/darumbal-country/.

The below story was written by photographer Trent White and, along with the photographs, are provided with his permission and that of Aunty Ollie. See more of Trent’s work with traditional owners here:  https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057039177178. 

‘Introducing Nan/Aunty Ollie (Gami), Elder & Darumbal Woman. It's a absolute privilege to photograph her, being one of the guibiri (eldest) left in the clan group she holds an immense amount of knowledge.

I asked her when is the last time you've been painted up, and she said when she was 12-15yrs of age in Woorabinda, Central Queensland, which is some 60yrs ago now - that's a life time ago 60yrs! She also mentioned that at that time she was not allowed to speak her language as it was forbidden and you would be punished.

She's magara wanmala dhagula (painted in traditional white clay) from nunthi (country). She also shared her knowledge on how to apply it to old people (protocol) I also asked her about dance you'll notice picture No 2 the way she's holding her hand she's depicting the Mundaghutta dance (rainbow serpent) creator.  

Pictures taken near Tunuba (Fitzroy river) garrgal swamp area)’  

Credit Trent White, photographer.