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Elders, Prominent People & Knowledge Holders
Uncle Bunja Smith is a respected Elder of the Yuin Nation. He plays an active and leadership role across legal, environmental, health, and community sectors.
Professionally, Uncle Bunja has served as Chairperson of the Aboriginal Legal Service and remains deeply involved in its governance, demonstrating his long-term commitment to justice and advocacy for Aboriginal people. In 2018, he became Chair of the Biamanga National Park Board of Management, helping guide the jointly managed national park that holds powerful cultural significance for Yuin people.
He also helped pioneer culturally safe infrastructure for the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, leading a traditional smoking ceremony and a cultural burn, symbolically cleansing the land and reconnecting it to Country. His leadership extends to the public sphere where he spoke publicly on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, stating “I believe that a ‘No’ vote just gives me more of the same; I believe that the ‘Yes’ vote will give me hope and an opportunity for change.” He stood by his convictions on this issue and publicly resigned from the Eurobodalla Aboriginal Advisory Committee over concerns about a Shire recommendation related to the Voice to Parliament.
Uncle Bunja is a powerful voice on climate and cultural resilience. He has spoken openly about the impacts of climate change on Country, and was part of the team who were instrumental in securing the dual naming of Barunguba (Montague Island). He is widely recognised and honoured for his dedication to his community, culture, and Country.
Sources
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/bunja-smith-maicd-46810a18/?originalSubdomain=au
- https://www.alsnswact.org.au/alsnews_board_elects_new_chair
- https://www.nature.org.au/moruya_logging
- https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-infrastructure-projects/community/eurobodalla-cultural-program
- https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/southeastnsw-breakfast/uncle-bunja-smith-indigneous-voice-to-parliament/102292190
- https://aboutregional.com.au/aboriginal-elder-resigns-from-council-committee-over-voice-recommendation/432672/
- https://www.naroomanewsonline.com.au/story/8387708/yuin-leaders-in-eurobodalla-will-continue-their-fight-for-justice-and-closing-the-gap/
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-01/funding-battle-for-award-winning-indigenous-aged-care-program/11751616
- https://understorey.com.au/barunguba-lookout
- https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-09/biamanga-cultural-area-on-nsw-far-south-coast/102928950
| Author | Dr Libby Lee-Hammond |
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