7 October 2021

MEDIA RELEASE

The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) is excited to announce that the organisation, on behalf of our members, has purchased a 103-hectare parcel of land in Yanakie, South Gippsland, next to Yiruk Wamoon (Wilsons Prom National Park) and Corner Inlet Marine and Coastal Park.

This land purchase is a wonderful opportunity for our members to maintain a connection to this area. In addition, it enables GLaWAC to continue to protect cultural values and uses, gain economic independence, and heal Country.

GLaWAC are proud that our strong organisational governance and financial management have put us in a position to expand employment for community and purchase back traditional lands.

The property, just 500m from the entrance to Yiruk Wamoon (Wilsons Prom National Park), will be known as Gunya Yanakie Nanjet Brataualung which means ‘Home beyond the sandhills of the Nanjet, people of Brataualung” in Gunaikurnai. It has all the necessary zoning and permit approvals to offer a unique cultural tourism opportunity.

Initially, our highly experienced On Country crews will maintain the land and we anticipate community being able to visit as soon as COVID-19 restrictions allow.

We look forward to yarning with the Gunaikurnai Community and others to enable self-determination in managing this site to help achieve priorities for a healthy Country and healthy mob.

GLaWAC welcomes the prospect of partnering with other Traditional Owners and tourism operators in this exciting venture and look forward to being a progressive neighbour in the Yanakie community.

Quote attributable to Troy McDonald, Chair of Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation

“It is through our strong connection to Country and listening to the voice of our Elders around on Country business that we are here today. Guided by the goals laid down in the Whole of Country Plan, and with really great people around us, we continue to progress the collective aspirations of our mob.”

Quote attributable to Roger Fenwick, CEO, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation

“It is wonderful that GLaWAC, through its professional approach and strong financial management, can start purchasing land back for the Gunaikurnai people. We look forward to partnering with others to grow economic opportunities for the mob and wider community through this purchase.”