Media release published: 8 July 2025

This regular column introduces dhurga words and meanings, with help from our Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

Elders carry the teachings of the land, story origins, and enforce respect for all beings. Elders show the way through responsibilities to the land. They give totems and help explain identity.

While elders deserve and receive utmost respect, they also give back that respect to those who need it. They are teachers but also know that we are - all of us - learners. They too are learning the next steps of life; how to be a teacher, how to be a listener, how to guide younger generations.

Elders are not self-selected, they are selected through respect, reputation, and knowledge.

• muladha - old/wise woman
• gamara - old/wise man
• badadhal - geebung

The geebung tree grows edible berries, the fruit ripens and is best eated as it falls from the tree. Be quick or wildlife will get the berries first!

Want to keep learning dhurga? Eurobodalla libraries and local bookshops have copies of The Dhurga Dictionary and Learner’s Grammar, authored by locals Trish Ellis, Kerry Boyenga and Waine Donovan.

• This story was first published in Council’s quarterly newsletter for residents, Living in Eurobodalla.

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