Southern West Yiradyuri Clans Land, Water and Sky Country Aboriginal Corporation
is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC) as a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI)
and is a endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR)
Learn what we're about!
We’ve created a series of short explainer videos to help you understand what Southern West Yiradyuri Corportion is and about.
If you like this video, please check out our other videos by clicking the button below.
Managing our Country as we have done since Creation
Restoring Gunhi Dhaagun
Gunhi Dhaagun (Mother Earth) gives us all that we need to live strong and healthy. We repay her by giving back and not taking which is an inherent responsibility for our people. Each day sees an ever increasing strain on her and her ability to continue sustaining us in the way she for millennia. We all have a responsibilty to change our actions and return our interactions to that of giving and not taking.
We are all responsible
Southern West Yiradyuri is a committed organisation dedicated to environmental stewardship and promoting sustainable practices. We value social responsibility and contribute to the larger goal of preserving our planet for future generations. Our focus on caring for Country is an essential part of our core values.
Our people
Southern West Yiradyuri have a deep respect for both the spiritual and natural world, and recognise our responsibility to take care of both. This ethic of stewardship extends beyond the physical environment to encompass our communities, and our obligation to look after each other and live a life of giving and unity. Sharing resources and knowledge, and ensuring that we don't leave anyone behind is a fundamental part of our lore, culture and traditions.
Water sustains life
Water conservation and cultural flow are crucial to the well-being and identity of Gunhi Dhaagun and Southern West Yiradyuri. Insufficient preservation of water resources would compromise our people's way of life. Safeguarding cultural flow ensures the sustainability and enrichment of our culture and heritage. Protecting these vital elements is essential for the continued growth and vitality of Gunhi Dhaagun and all things that she takes of of - including us.
Fire heals Country
For millennia, Southern West Yiradyuri people have used traditional land management techniques that involve controlled burning to maintain sustainable ecosystems. This technique benefits the environment and reflects our deep connection to Country, supporting cultural and spiritual practices. It embodies sustainability and respect for the Gunhi Dhaagun.
Sky Country teaches us
The Sky Country is revered in Southern Yiradyuri lore as a guide for living and being. Creation stories explain the origin of all things in nature, from stars to plants, connecting our people deeply with our surroundings. Southern West Yiradyuri hold the Sky Country in high regard and live by its teachings and the important role it play for all things living.
Southern West Yiradyuri
Traditional Owner Corporation is:
- an inclusive organisation.
- underpinned by Yiradyuri lore, law, values and expectations.
- responsible for the protection of Gunhi Dhaagun (Mother Earth) and ensuring that we make good decisions that will have a positive impact on future generations – this is paramount to our being.
- designed using traditional Yiradyuri governance principles.
People:
- are committed to fulfilling our obligation to care for and protect Country.
- will maintain access to our sacred and cultural places to continue practicing our culture – this is vital to our future survival.
- will work together to ensure we make the right decisions today for future generations.
- provide the cultural authority for, and protection of, Southern West Yiradyuri Land, Water and Sky Country.
Eligibility to become a member
A person is eligible to be a member of the corporation if the person is:
- at least 18 years old,
and either (membership as a Traditional Owner)
- a Southern West Yiradyuri (Wiradyuri or Wiradjuri) Person who descends from one of the confirmed apical ancestors below;
- Mary Ann Howell/Foote. b. 1837, Yanco NSW.
- Jacky and Annie Mellon. B. (circa) 1830s, around Waddi NSW.
- Susan Christian. b.1844, Murrumbidgee NSW.
- Kitty Webster. b.1840s, around Conargo NSW.
- Caroline Bradley B. (circa) 1840s, around Carathool NSW.
- a Southern West Yiradyuri (Wiradyuri or Wiradjuri) Person who descends from one of the confirmed apical ancestors below;
or (membership as a Kinship Member)
- an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person that has resided within the Southern West Yiradyuri area for more than one generation or twenty-five years;
- who is known and accepted as being an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person by the community that they belong; and
- who the corporation decides may become a member by making a native title decision.
Are you thinking, should I become a member?
We are united with a shared vision
First Nations Peoples and Allies are welcome
Get involved by:
- contacting our organisation.
- following our website and social media channels for the latest updates and news.
- speaking to representatives from our organisation.
Get involved through:
- advocacy.
- volunteering.
- supporting access to, and returned ownership of Country.
- donating (may include things such as land, time, resources or money).