Honouring Ngura at Macquarie University

Our inaugural Caring for Country Day brought together our community and collaborators across Sydney last week to connect with Ngura (Country).

Dharug Elder Uncle Chris Tobin performing a Smoking Ceremony on the lawn.

Held on the Traditional lands of the Wallamattagal clan of the Dharug people, this event was a symbol of the University’s respect for Ngura (also spelled Ngurra, or Nura) and its commitment to reconciliation. It underlined the critical importance of caring for urban environments both physically and spiritually.

Two community members at a stall, demonstrating traditional weaving techniques. The day brought together students, staff and the wider local community to engage in different ways of caring for our country. It was also a truly collaborative initiative, imagined by Aunty Dr Jo Rey, Senior Lecturer and Indigenous Academic Advisor at Macquarie, and led by Andria Symington, relieving Strategy Lead for Ngurra Nuru (Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous), in partnership with the Australian Harmony Centre for Ecosystem Futures.

“Ngura represents a living relationship, a delicate and profound responsibility we all share. This day is a call to action to explore what you, as individuals and as a community, are doing to truly care for Country,” said Dr Jo Rey.

“Ngura is more than land, it is everything between. It's the stars, the sky, the air, the plants, the soil, the water, and all the life within it. It is everything sentient, it is relational, and we are kin to various forms across that realm.”

Attendees explored local sustainability organisations, corporate social responsibility programs, and Indigenous-led initiatives to deepen their understanding of the interconnectedness between people and Country.

Four members of Dharug group the Jannawi Dance Clan performing a traditional dance. The day began with a traditional Acknowledgement of Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Dharug Elder, Uncle Chris Tobin, setting the tone for the meaningful conversations and hands-on experiences such as yarning circles, engaging discussions on ecological restoration, and moving cultural performances by the Jannawi Dance Clan (Dharug group).

Attendees also participated in workshops focusing on practical contributions to caring for Ngura such as basket weaving, wildfire awareness, and revitalising the Dharug language.

Notably, the day shared the knowledge that Ngura is a term that conveys not just the physical spaces we live in, but also our spiritual connection to them. This served as a central theme of the day. It brought to life the principle that caring for Country is deeply rooted in understanding, respect and ongoing action.

Caring for Country is a way of giving back to the land that sustains us. It is about nurturing a connection to the places where we live, work and walk every day, and understanding the stories and knowledge that the Traditional Custodians have carried for generations.

How can you care for Country? To learn more about similar initiatives or get involved contact us at ngarranuru@mq.edu.au.