Malaami Conversations with Dean Kelly

Dean Kelly is a proud Gumbaynggirr custodian and the CEO of the newly launched Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, the first of its kind in the Bellinger Valley.

Dean will share stories of growing up at the Kelly family farm at Yellow Rock, where he was raised by Elders Richard Kelly & Lillian Kelly (Nan & Pop) and great uncles Tom Kelly & Raymond Kelly. Dean says, “these were the knowledge holders of our family and are the reason for what I do”. Dean will share what custodianship means to him as he steps into this new role and builds on the work and wisdom of those who came before. Yurruungga is a collective of the traditional Custodians of the Bellinger Valley Gumbaynggirr people. This collective will provide “creative and technical leadership of complex cultural development, regeneration and environmental projects” across their ancestral homelands (Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, 2023).

Dean deeply values unity and collaboration. Yurruungga aims to represent the whole Bellinger Valley community. This is an opportunity for us all to listen and learn how we can work together to support this important work. This is the second of a series of Malaami Conversations that centre First Nations voices as we work to malaami (“return to origin”) and create a life-sustaining, climate-resilient future.

When and where

Sunday 8th of October 2023

9.30am– 12.30pm

At Malaami meeting place, in the gardens behind Thora General Store. Parking is available next-door at Roses Park Campground or on the opposite side of the road at Thora Hall.

What to bring

 Sun protection

 Camping chair or picnic rug

 Food and drinks are available for purchase at Thora General Store

Ticketing information

This is a not-for-profit event organised by volunteers. Ticket sales go towards honorariums for First Nations contributors and towards future Malaami Project events. Donations are appreciated.