Vibrant new storyboards that share the stories and culture of The Old Camp Yaam Nguura Jalumgal and the Aboriginal families who lived there have been unveiled.
This initiative, in partnership with the Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee, supports the protection of local Aboriginal cultural heritage.
"It's important for the history of The Old Camp Yaam Nguura Jalumgal - and its significance to those who lived there, their descendants and the wider local Aboriginal community - to be recognised and celebrated. It's great to see the updated storyboards in place so this story can continue to be told," said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Paul Amos
Traditional land owners established the site on Coffs Creek in the 1940s with up to 200 people living there at one time in shacks built from waste timber from the nearby sawmill, fibro, sugarbags and tin. In 1955, following pressure to provide better housing – including from the renowned Elder Aunty Grace Roberts - cottages were built at Wongala Estate and The Old Camp was demolished.
In 2017, the site was granted a dual name to 'Fitzroy Oval The Old Camp – Yaam Nguura Jalumgal' in recognition of it as a place of significance for local Aboriginal people. Yaam Nguura Jalumgal is Gumbaynggirr for 'The Old Camp'.
"It's deadly to see these boards go up with the vibrancy and colour they needed," said Lloyd Lynwood, Chair of Yandaarra Aboriginal Advisory Committee. "Yandaarra and Council working together for mob always delivers great outcomes."
The updated storyboards are displayed on the sports pavilion alongside the two unique metal frieze artworks created by local Aboriginal high school students in 2017 after hearing stories of The Old Camp Yaam Nguura Jalumgal from Aboriginal elders.
