In March, I had the privilege of gathering on Gumbaynggirr Country, in Urunga, NSW, for Wajaarr Yarning: Women Talking Earth. This intimate sharing circle was the third in the Malaami Conversations series, exploring the four elements: Waagay / Fire, Ngaarlu / Water, Wajaarr / Earth, and Muya-ngarra / Air.
WELA’s Giving Circle proudly supported this powerful project, and I was honoured to attend on behalf of WELA. Gumbaynggirr/Kamilaroi knowledge holder Aunty Frances Wit co-facilitated the circle alongside Gumbaynggirr Elders Aunty Bea and Aunty Alison. Together, they created a space for truth-telling, deep reflection, and shared learning.
As I arrived at the Urunga Sailing Club, mist lifted from the river and the rain drizzled down. The humble venue was warm and welcoming, adorned with native flowers, flickering candles, and a stunning wall hanging depicting the Gumbaynggirr cultural landscape—from the mountains to the sea—with rich colour, intricacy, and detail.
We began the morning with steaming cups of tea and a gentle smoking ceremony, walking slowly through the cleansing smoke with intention. We acknowledged the stolen land we gathered on and honoured the strength and generosity of the Gumbaynggirr women who welcomed us so openly and courageously.
This Malaami gathering reminded me what it truly means to show up—with openness, humility, and a commitment to listen and learn. We reflected on the importance of allyship and leadership in environmental spaces, which begins with recognising the context we operate within. As settler-descended Australians, we are not separate from the systems that have dispossessed and continue to harm First Nations communities. At WELA, we are committed to naming this truth and remaining present in the ongoing, and sometimes uncomfortable, work of decolonisation.
Wajaarr Yarning centred Gumbaynggirr wisdom, knowledge and leadership. The conversations were fluid and heartfelt, serving as a powerful call to action. Elders reminded us that Earth does not need us—we need her. Mother Earth has survived mass extinctions and will go on without us; it is humanity that must now act boldly and urgently to protect our precious ecosystems.
We were invited to slow down and listen. As Aunty Frances read aloud from a book, we lay quietly, taking in her words as a reminder of our shared capacity to heal, grow, and live in harmony with ourselves and Earth.
I deeply appreciated the gentle, unstructured nature of the event. It was not governed by tight agendas or colonial frameworks, but instead offered a space for First Nations leadership and genuine connection.
We closed the day with a nourishing lunch prepared by Aunty Sue Tomkins of the Bush Tucker Shack, whose deep knowledge of bush foods provided a delicious and grounding cultural experience.
This Wajaarr / Earth gathering was a collaboration between Malaami (a project of the Centre for Ecological Learning) and the Galangga Biindarray Aboriginal Corporation, “dedicated to empowering Gumbaynggirr women and families while embracing inclusivity for all women. Our mission is to promote well-being, cultural pride, and self-determination, through providing spaces for cultural connection, healing, and the sharing of knowledge,” Aunty Frances Wit.
Darrundang (thank you),
Cherry
On behalf of WELA