Magnificent new dancing figure for forest track

Close to the township of Ulladulla on the south coast stands a new Bunan Yuin, a large sculpture of a dancing figure, welcoming people to the Coomee Nulunga cultural walking track.

Along the track are interpretation poles known as Garuwanga Daran (dreaming poles) in the local Dhurga language.

In September last year, a bushfire damaged a section of the track, with Bunan Yuin and eight dreaming poles destroyed.

The dreaming poles depict the many species of flora and fauna found in the area.

Forestry Corporation Southern Region Aboriginal affairs coordinator, Paul Carriage, said after the fire the Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) approached Forestry Corporation to see if any help could be obtained to replace the burnt poles and find a suitable replacement for Bunan Yuin.

In December, Mr Carriage and David Mills, a member of Forestry Corporation silviculture team and Ulladulla LALC, set out to find and deliver blank poles.

"And after many months searching for the uniquely shaped pieces of timber from the waste of harvested trees from North and South Brooman Forests, we were able to supply the LALC with a replacement Bunan Yuin, along with timber for new dreaming poles," Mr Carriage said.

"David was responsible for putting together the new dancing man during weekends and days off."

In mid December, staff from Forestry Corporation and LALC set about erecting the striking new Bunan Yuin at the head of the track.

The new dreaming poles are almost complete and will put in the track during the coming months.

Mr Carriage said the track has been established to demonstrate the history and culture of the local Murramarang People.

The track is open to all and travels through heath down to the beach. It is also used for guided tours with groups taken through by a local Aboriginal guide.

“It was built as part of a training program for local Aboriginal people to reconnect with their culture and involved Butler , Rook, Morrison, Carriage and Hughes family members,” Mr Carriage said.

Ms Lynette Rook at the Budamurra Aboriginal Corporation said the corporation was thrilled to see Bunan Yuin back in his place, once again gracing the start of the Coomee Nulunga walking track.

For information on the track contact Ms Rook at the Budamurra Aboriginal Corporation on (02) 4455 5883.

Media contact: Paul Carriage on (02) 4472 6211.

Photo available of Bunan Yuin. Caption: The dancing man is back, welcoming walkers to the Coomee Nulunga cultural walking track, thanks to support from Forestry Corporation and Ulladulla Local Aboriginal Land Council.