Person: Uncle Bunja Smith
Bunja is an Aboriginal Elder of the Walbanga, Murramarang and Djiringandj peoples, from the greater Yuin Nation on the South Coast of New South Wales. He has an extensive work history and passion for the advancement of Aboriginal people. Through his strong love for his culture, Bunja has served on several boards and advisories to provide an Aboriginal voice. He was part of the fight for the dual naming of Barunguba / Montague Island, was a leader in the 2024 yes campaign and works endlessly in Aboriginal health, climate action spaces and promoting meaningful reconciliation.
Iconic south coast island gets Indigenous name
THE iconic Montague Island off the NSW south coast has been given a dual indigenous name in honour of the cultural significance of the island to the Yuin people. The process of renaming Barunguba Montague Island Nature Reserve was initiated by the traditional owners and announced by NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe on Tuesday….
Radio: Indigenous communities hit hard by fires.
Batemans Bay on the New South Wales south coast has been one of the communities hardest hit by the bushfires. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed leaving their owners camping out or staying with family, friends and even total strangers. Aboriginal elders are among those who’ve been forced into evacuation centres. The World Today speaks to Bunja Smith, a Walbunja elder of the Yuin nation and manager of the Booraja home care program in the Batemans Bay area….
Bunja’s Story: Climate Story
I’ve definitely noticed changes in the weather and in Country. It’s almost as though someone has turned it on its head. Summer is a lot wetter and winter is a lot colder – but then we’re having more and more droughts as well. It’s volatile – it goes from extreme to extreme….
Uncle Bunja Smith shares his thoughts on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum
Walbunja elder Uncle Bunja Smith joins ABC South East NSW breakfast presenter Simon Lauder to discuss why he wants the public to stay informed and maintain a conversation right up to the day of the referendum….
Audio: A vote for Yes is a vote for hope and opportunity
Uncle Bunja Smith says he wants “to see a permanent voice to parliament so we may be able to close the gap”. Uncle Bunja is asking people to find out about The Voice referendum coming up on October 14th, dodge the misinformation flying about, and join the Yes campaign….
Aboriginal Elder resigns from council committee over Voice recommendation
A respected Aboriginal Elder has resigned from a council committee after the Eurobodalla Shire Council voted against the committee’s recommendation….
Indigenous home care program thrown a lifeline
An award-winning home care program that delivers culturally-appropriate aged care services for Indigenous people on the NSW South Coast has won a five-month reprieve after facing closure last year….
Eurobodalla Regional Hospital cultural program
Aboriginal knowledge shaped the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital design to build connections with Country. Connecting with Country combines local Aboriginal knowledge to improve cultural health, wellbeing and healing. It also aims to reduce the impacts of natural events like fire, drought, and flooding through sustainable practices….
Cultural Business
Bunja Smith shares his understanding of the rich systems that encompass Aboriginal Culture….
Jane Lucy Campbell
Bunja Smith shares a story about his Grandmother, Jane Lucy Campbell and her experience as a domestic….
