The Supper Dances

The Supper Dances of Wallaga Lake brought community spirit to the Yuin people during some of the hardest times under government control. At a time when strict rules limited who could enter or leave the mission without the white manager’s permission, these evenings of food, music, and dance became a source of joy.

The old Wallaga Lake Hall was the heart of these gatherings. Community members dressed in their best clothes, shared supper and tea, and danced late into the night. As Pam Flanders remembered, “They got dressed up in flash clothes and had a dance… They all got together and enjoyed themselves.” The dances offered relief from the harsh restrictions of mission life and strengthened family and cultural bonds.

One special night saw the Wallaga Lake Hoola Girls, young women including Veronica Andy, Ellen, Barbara, Evon, and Katie Stewart perform in a fundraising concert at the Bermagui Hall. This event raised money for an ambulance service to help Wallaga families travel safely to Bega Hospital. Their performance, complete with colourful grass skirts and live music provided by Steven and Ian Hoskins who played guitar and squeezebox, while their father, Uncle Ned Hoskins, kept the rhythm on the banjo. Uncle Cecil, Valerie, and Iris Hoskins did the singing.

The Supper Dances, remembered fondly by Elders like Pam Flanders and Valmai Cooper, represent more than entertainment; they reflect resilience, pride, and the enduring spirit of the Wallaga Lake community.