Bundjalung

Bundjalung, sometimes Yugambeh-Bundjalung, was a language spoken on the far north coast of NSW and in south-eastern Queensland.  Linguists have identified at least 19 dialects including Gidhabal (spoken on the upper Richmond River), Wehlubal (spoken at Baryulgil on the Clarence River) and Bandjalang (spoken at Coraki and Evans Head).  Bundjalung is a living though endangered language, with fluent speakers living on the north coast to this day.  Bundjalung people have a rich mythology based on the concept of the Butheram (the Bundjalung version of the Dreaming).  Central to their beliefs are increase sites called  djurbil where plentiful supplies of particular animals and food can be assured if the correct ritual is performed.[ref]See A handbook of Aboriginal languages of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory by Jim Wafer and Amanda Lissarrague, 2008, Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative; also Bandjalang Social Organisation by Malcolm Calley, 1959, unpublished PhD Thesis, University of Sydney.[/ref]