Person: Patricia Ellis OAM

Trish Ellis OAM is a Brinja Yuin Elder who has worked diligently on revitalising the Dhurga language. Trish has played an integral role in the Yuin community, previously serving as a chairperson of the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Aboriginal Advisory Committee and as the joint management coordinator for handback of Biamanga and Gulaga National Parks.
Trish has worked as a teacher of Yuin Language and Culture for 40 years and also teaches cultural perspectives in subject areas like conservation, land management and children’s studies. She was a board member on the NSW Aboriginal Languages Trust Board and in 2023 was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her contribution, work and service to the Aboriginal Community of Eurobodalla Shire.

January 6, 2026

Language as social action — truth-telling and revival

As a profound act of revival, preservation and legacy, Minga Aboriginal Cultural Services has dedicated years of collaboration to publish what is known as The Dhurga Dictionary. A joint venture between the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and authors Patricia Ellis, Kerry Boyenga and Waine Donovan, this publication is a cultural archive and a written record that is helping communities to rediscover the Dhurga language….

The Bunyip – from The Brown Fairy Book

“The bunyip story in The Brown Book of Fairy Tales edited by Andrew Lang relates to Moruya – nowhere else is so prominent with black swans.” Patricia Ellis OAM
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Djuuwin Women’s Perspectives on the Moruya Deua River Catchment

Initiated by the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) in response to concerns raised by Djuuwin women, the Djuuwin Women’s Perspectives on the Moruya Deua River Catchment Project aims to address historical gaps by identifying an approach for the ongoing identification and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage across the catchment in time for the development of the Moruya Deua Catchment Health Plan….

Aboriginal History of Bingi-Congo Walking Track

The Bingi-Congo walking track forms part of the Dreaming Track utilised by the Brinja-Yuin people prior to European development. This article is also posted at the Bingi Dreaming track, Eurobodalla National Park….