Location 11: Woodburn northbound
Sheldon Harrington
Location 12: Boardwater northbound
Marcus Ferguson
Location 13: Coolgardie northbound
Marcus Ferguson and Sheldon Harrington
Three Brothers story
The northbound artworks depict the Bundjalung Creation Story of the Three Brothers. The story tells of the three brothers, Yaabriin, Maamang and Biriin and how they set off with their families and Gamii (their father’s mother) to settle Country. Throughout their search for Country that had freshwater and enough food, the brothers come to a realisation that Country is a delicate environment and cannot sustain and support a large population over a long period of time.
It was at Lennox Head that the first Bora Ring was then made. In this ring, the rules and laws of how the families were to live on Country with people and how to live with the environment were established. It was decided that the three brothers (and family) and Gamii would separate and each travel in a different direction.
Yaabriin, the eldest brother, travelled and settled on the Tweed River. Maamang, the second brother, selected the Richmond River. Biriin, the youngest brother, journeyed south to the Clarence River. Gamii returned to the first landing place at Evans Head and chose a campsite known as Gama garra. This created the birthplace of the Bundjalung people and the many families of the Bundjalung nation.
Location 11: Woodburn southbound
Marcus Ferguson and Oral Roberts
Location 12: Boardwater southbound
Marcus Ferguson and Oral Roberts
Location 13: Coolgardie southbound
Marcus Ferguson and Oral Roberts
Goanna and Snake story
The southbound artworks depict the Bundjalung Creation Story of the Goanna and the Snake. In this story, Ngoinybaa (the dangerous snake) approaches the camp of Ngadjang galii (the creator) and becomes a nuisance. The creator then sends Jing giir jing giir – the willy wagtail (known as the messenger bird) to fetch Dirrawong – the spirit goanna (the guardian protector of the creator). A great battle ensues between Dirrawong and Ngoinybaa, which creates mountains, ranges and rivers.
Ngoinybaa, thinking the battle was won, continues to journey to a place now called Snake Island in the
Evans River. Dirrawong surprises Ngoinybaa. Ngoinybaa, upon being startled by Dirrawong, heads for the open sea. This creates the mouth of the Evans River.
Dirrawong rests and vows to protect the land, thus creating Goanna Headland. There still lies Dirrawong, watching over the sea for the return of Ngoinybaa. Dirrawong ‘Giant sleeping Goanna’ is the guardian, protector of the Bundjalung people.