Northies Aboriginal stories wanted

Granny Janey Brown at North Lismore in 1935 with her grandsons. She was among those who left Modanville, thecamp site of the traditional owners, when it was made a reserve, moving

A community day being held at Gunna WannaBe cafe in South Lismore is hoping to draw out stories, memories and photos from the Widjabul people of the region.

Lismore Tourism is re-developing the Visitor Information Centre to include exhibitions about the history and culture of the area with a major focus on the Aboriginal history.

“The project will provide a unique and personal insight into our Aboriginal community’s history, as well as the development of our city’s culture as a whole,” Council’s tourism co-ordinator Mitch Lowe said.

Thelma James from GunnaWannaBe said she hoped Saturday could be a bit of a reunion for “Northies”, Aboriginal people who were moved from Dunoon Mission at Modanville and Cubawee Mission to North Lismore.

“I’m hoping North Lismore residents will come and share their stories, because a lot has never been recorded, never been written down,” she said. “A few years ago we had a reunion and did a book and a few people came forward later and said ‘I could have told them stories about that.’ It sort of triggered their memories off.”

The community day will be this Saturday, March 13, from 10am to 2pm. Any information, photographs or other material that is presented on the day will be used strictly for the purposes of this project only and will not be passed on to any other organisation or individuals. Light refreshments will be provided.