UPDATE: An urgent celebration unfolded on November 6, 2025, as approximately 20 babies from Narrandera and Leeton were ceremoniously welcomed to Country on Wiradjuri land. Families gathered on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Koori Beach for this culturally significant event.
The ceremony, which is a vital tradition in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, officially recognized the newborns’ connections to their ancestral lands. Each baby, aged 0–12 months, was presented to respected Elders, Aunty Jennifer Johnson and Aunty Joy Ingram, and received a certificate along with a special gift.
This event was a collaborative effort between the Gundyarri Aboriginal Corporation and the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) and Building Strong Foundations (BSF) teams at Narrandera. The Gundyarri Aboriginal Corporation secured a Cultural Grant from Aboriginal Affairs to support this important occasion.
Director of Gundyarri Aboriginal Corporation, Cherry Johnson, emphasized the significance of welcoming babies, known as boori’s, back to their Country. “It’s part of our being, our identity, to bring our babies home to their Country to connect and bond with traditions,” she stated.
The event provided an essential opportunity for families to connect with cultural heritage and the wider community. It laid the groundwork for building relationships among families, Elders, and the Aboriginal community.
The blessings of the river and land were notably acknowledged, highlighting the deep-rooted connection to the Narrundjera/Leeton Aboriginal Country and the broader Wiradjuri Nation.
As communities continue to celebrate these cherished traditions, the impact of such gatherings reverberates through families, fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity among the youngest members of the Aboriginal community.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Gundyarri Aboriginal Corporation plans to host additional cultural events aimed at strengthening community bonds and supporting new families in the area. Community members and leaders are encouraged to participate in future celebrations that honor their heritage and promote unity.
This ceremony not only underscores the importance of cultural practices but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to nurturing the connections between families and their land.
