Image: (from left) MLHD Project Manager - Redevelopment Kate Kennett, Health Infrastructure Senior Project Director Cath Taylor, Charles Sturt University academic Letetia Harris and Wiradjuri Elder Aunty Cheryl Penrith at the Ashmont Community Resource Centre in Wagga Wagga in August 2020. Tuesday 4 May 2021 A shining feature of the new Health Services Hub on Wiradjuri Country is the Wiradjuri names and descriptions on signage throughout the multi-storey building. It followed engagement with members of the local Aboriginal community as well as academics from the internationally recognised Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage program at Charles Sturt University. The inclusion of the First Nations language in the new health facility recognises that the Health Services Hub sits on the land of the Wiradjuri people, who are its Traditional Custodians.
Thursday 20 August 2020 Members of the working group had their final meeting online and face-to-face at the Ashmont Community Resource Centre for further discussion and recommendation of Wiradjuri names and descriptions in the new Stage 3 building. The Wiradjuri names and descriptions in the new Health Services Hub include:
Maliyan (Eagle) ... soar high like an eagle
Muraany (Sulfur crested cockatoo) …Cockatoos gather as a community in large flocks
Yanhiyanirra nginha (come to one’s assistance here)
Galinbalganbalgang (dragonfly) – this represents the eyes of the ancestor. If they cross your path you are going in the right direction. They demonstrate where there is water. Water is a life source and used to heal.
Budyabudya (butterfly) ... as a butterfly transforms from a caterpillar
Gugabul (Murray cod) … Old wise Murray Cod grows to be 100 years old, when looked after and protects the river life allowing it to thrive.
Wambuwuyn (grey kangaroo) ... kangaroos stretch and layback, but also bound with strength
Wambad (Wombat) strong, solid, builder
Gulambali (pelican) … The big beak of the pelican hold its healthy catch/food
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