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Paddleboards Help Save Dying Gumbaynggirr Language
14 Apr
Summary
- Gumbaynggirr language revival is supported by tourism initiatives.
- Cultural guide Troy Robinson leads paddleboard tours in Gumbaynggirr Country.
- Traditional practices like using ochre as sunscreen are shared.

The Gumbaynggirr language, an Aboriginal tongue with millennia of history, was once critically endangered but is now experiencing a revival. This resurgence is significantly supported by a series of tourism initiatives aimed at bringing the language back from the brink of disappearance.
Cultural tourism is playing a pivotal role in this revival. For instance, Gumbaynggirr cultural guide Troy Robinson leads unique paddleboard tours. These tours take place in Gumbaynggirr Country, located between the Clarence and Nambucca rivers in New South Wales, Australia.
During these tours, participants engage with the land and culture. They learn about traditional practices, such as the ancestral use of white ochre as a natural sunscreen, while experiencing activities like paddleboarding on Moonee Creek. This innovative approach connects visitors to the rich heritage of the Gumbaynggirr people.