Rescue Aunty Chris' boat, the 'Koorabung'

Dharug Community members, and dedicated Mudyin, Leanne Tobin, Jacinta Tobin and other women are progressing the Koorabung Project. A special project was commenced to carry on the strong legacy of Aunty Chris Burke and to revitalise Dharug Ngurra and all she provides.

The purpose of this restoration and project is:

• To promote Dharug presence in a contemporary setting.

• To conduct cultural mapping of the Dyarubbin and the Lane Cove/Turrumburra River.

• To reconnect Dharug people with the Dyarubbin and the Lane Cove/Turrumburra River; and to educate them about the past and what happened to our people.

• To educate others of Dharug history

• To help to highlight the importance of caring for Ngurra/Country and preserving our waterways.

• To provide a place to hold meetings and small gatherings for both social and cultural business.

• To provide a safe place for those who may be disconnected and needing to reconnect with nature to heal.

• To allow collaboration between groups who wish to help promote and advance the Dharug.

The Koorabung urgently needs to be docked so she can be repaired and restored for Community use - and she needs all the help she can get.

This project will partner with the Yarramundi Kids Foundation (A Foundation originally set up by Aunty Chris Burke to assist projects that will help promote the safety and wellbeing of Aboriginal women and children).

The Koorabung, a beautiful vintage 35ft timber vessel, custom built in 1928, in Sydney Harbour has been generously donated to Dharug peoples by Lesley Laing (the current owner) who became sole owner of the boat when Aunty Chris Burke passed away in 2016. This generous sharing allows for Dharug peoples to conduct important cultural business on Ngurra/Country and to meet cultural custodial obligations to country Ngurra and her waterways.

The Koorabung has been undergoing repairs throughout 2022 and is being totally reworked to restore her as much as possible to her previous condition. She is in desperate need of dry docking to ensure she doesn't fall into total disrepair. She remains mechanically sound, which is outstanding.

There is a huge amount of work to be done. The dreaded Gabura (Mangrove worm) has created a leak that has to be addressed urgently. This will come at a huge expense but it will provide a wonderful opportunity for the Dharug community and all Dharug allies to collaborate in continuing the custodial role of caring for Ngurra and her waterways.

Your donation, no matter the amount will assist in restoring this historical vessel that will be a great asset to many. The Dharug are survivors and have thrived because of their great ability to adapt. Ngurra adapts along with it’s people and Dharug women want to understand the Ngurra as she has adapted and changed, so we can continue to care for one another with reciprocity.

The name Koorabung translates as ‘the wind behind’ 'Koora/Gura - Wind' and 'Bung' is 'behind/rear' which is absolutely perfect, as this project is being led by indomitable Dharug women together providing a second wind, breathing new life in her.

Didyariguramarri, we thank you so much for your support and help.