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Yuin and Monaro nations…

The traditional inhabitants of the Shire are the communities of the Monaro and Yuin nation. From ancient times they have been the inhabitants and custodians of the land, sea and waterways in the area now called the Bega Valley Shire. Tribal groups within the Yuin-Monaro nation include the Djiringanj, Thaua, Bidawahal and Ngarigo people. Sites throughout the Shire demonstrate occupation by these rich cultures to be in excess of 6,000 years. These people nurtured and organised an active culture many thousands of years older then the creators of the great pyramids of Giza did or the medieval monuments of Stonehenge. Some of the oldest physical records of human occupation and activity to be found anywhere in the world are located beneath our noses here in the Bega Valley Shire.

Umbarra

Know to Europeans as 'King Merryman', Umbarra was one of the last tribal leaders of his people in this district and died in 1904. Named to honour Umbarra, Merriman Island in Wallaga Lake was the first site of significance to be declared an Aboriginal Place under the 1974 National Parks and Wildlife Act.

Photo - National Library of Australia.
Swinbourne, Helen & Winters Judy (2001). Bega Valley Shire : pictorial history. Kingsclear Books.

Queen Narelle

Burial of Umbarra's wife known as 'Queen Narelle', at Wallaga Lake Mission.

Photo - Coorkhnill Collection, National Library of Australia.
Swinbourne, Helen & Winters Judy (2001). Bega Valley Shire : pictorial history. Kingsclear Books.

King Billy

'King Billy' is remembered for his marathon walks up and down the coast. Believed to be the last full-blooded Aboriginal person on the far south coast, 'King Billy' died aged 95 in 1962.

Photo - Bega Family Museum.
Swinbourne, Helen & Winters Judy (2001). Bega Valley Shire : pictorial history. Kingsclear Books.