Yungngora, an Aboriginal community situated in the northern region of Western Australia's Kimberley, is approximately 280 kilometres east-southeast of Broome and 100 kilometres southwest of Fitzroy Crossing.
Yungngora is a community located at the southern boundary of Noonkanbah station on the banks of the Fitzroy River. The community is home to approximately 250 people, including Nyikina people and other language groups. Yungngora's name comes from a nearby billabong, and it was established in the late 1970s by two elders named Friday and Ginger.
After the 1967 referendum, many Aboriginal pastoral workers were left in Fitzroy Crossing due to governmental policies and a lack of support. Some workers left in protest against poor management, low wages, and poor living conditions at the stations. In Fitzroy Crossing, Kadjina and Yungngora people moved to the middle and bottom reserves at the powerhouse. They never gave up the hope of one day reclaiming their land, and Yungngora was eventually established in the late 70s.
Noonkanbah station operates as a 170,000-hectare cattle station with 7,000 head of cattle and 350 horses. In April 2007, the Yungngora people had their native title recognised.
Kulkarriya Community School is located in Yungngora and serves approximately 75 primary and secondary students, six teachers, and 12 Aboriginal staff. The students speak English as a second or third language, with Kriol, Nyikina, and Walmajarri languages spoken at home.
Yungngora also has a clinic and a Health and Aged Care (HAC) kitchen and office that provides meals to the elderly. There is also a TAFE and community-building program, as well as other facilities staffed by locals.
The community is well known for its history of land rights activism. In the past, the people of Noonkanbah strongly protested against mining, which took the multinational mining exploration company Amax (backed by the Western Australian Liberal state government) two years before they could drill for oil on sacred land. While drilling eventually proceeded, the determined fight of the local people inspired broad community support and raised Australia's treatment of Aboriginal people on the international stage.
Tourism activities in Djarindjin-Lombadina include whale watching, fishing charters, mud crabbing, spear hunting, and snorkelling in the clear waters. Additionally, transportation options include overland transport to and from Broome Airport, supported by Rio Tinto.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation
The Djarindjin Community was once part of the Lombadina Catholic Mission, but the older generation living around the mission decided to establish their own community during the 1980s when the Federal Government initiated the homeland movement. As a result, the Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation was founded in 1985, and the community of Djarindjin came into existence.
The Djarindjin Community values its traditional way of life, which is deeply rooted in the sea. The community has learned to care for and protect their land and sea from their ancestors, and they only hunt and gather during the appropriate seasons while respecting the flora and fauna. Their ancient stories and song-lines guide them through life and teach them the ways of their ancestors. The people of Djarindjin are Bardi and Jawi, originating from the mainland and islands, and their culture and way of life are unique to this land.
It's important to respect the community's ways and traditions. The beach and sacred dunes are their own and cannot be accessed unless accompanied by one of the locals. However, there are many tourist attractions on the Dampier Peninsula that you're welcome to explore.
Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation owns half of the Kooljaman Wilderness Resort, which is located approximately 15 km north of the community. The locals encourage all visitors to experience their saltwater lifestyle by taking a tour with their local guides, such as Brian Lee of Hunters Creek Tagalong Tours, Bundy of Bundy's Cultural Tours, or Bolo of Bolo's Coastal Walk Tours. These tours will provide you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Lombadina Aboriginal Corporation
If you're looking for a unique way to experience the local way of life, Lombadina on beautiful Thomas Bay north of Broome on the Dampier Peninsula is a must-visit destination.
Lombadina Community offers visitors a range of accommodation options to fit a diverse range of requirements and budgets, from deluxe apartments to single quarters.
When you visit Lombadina, take some time to relax on the white sandy beaches, surrounded by pristine turquoise waters. Experience the beauty of nature and take in the colours of the Kimberley while enjoying thrilling fishing and breathtaking whale watching. You can catch a fresh feast of mud crab or spend time snorkelling in crystal clear waters teeming with sea life. The tours are timed to take full advantage of the tides, ensuring an exhilarating experience that won't leave you exhausted.
Distance from Perth: 1,740km SSW
Population: 434
Postcode: 6765