What is Dhuluny?
Dhuluny (Dhu-loin) is a series of events commemorating the 200-year anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on 14 August 1824 and the surrounding frontier violence. Two hundred years later, Dhuluny commemorates a period of resistance warfare, violence and massacres and celebrates Wiradyuri resilience and survival.
Dhuluny is a Wiradyuri word for “truth”, “rightness”, or “gospel”, and means rectitude, that which is direct, straight, acting, living. These events offers the opportunity to share and understand the true history of our country and celebrate the resilience of the Wiradyuri Nation. Central to Dhuluny is the preservation of culture and truth-telling. The Traditional Owners are the lead cultural authority and knowledge holders for the Bathurst Region. Yindyamarra is central to Wiradyuri Lore, and means respect, to do slowly, to be polite, be gentle and have honour.
Dhuluny celebrates the resilience of the Wiradyuri Nation and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, commemorating and honouring the fallen on all sides of the Wiradyuri Homeland wars. The logo was produced in collaboration with the Bathurst Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).
Wiradyuri Traditional Owners Central West Aboriginal Corporation
(WTOCWAC)
WTOCWAC is an Aboriginal Corporation made up of Traditional Elders who provide cultural education, mentoring and support and the protection of Ngurambang (country). Our online and ‘On Country’ Cultural Immersion educational Wiradyuri experiences have received recognition and awards at the local, state, national and international level.
Our membership is made up predominantly of Aboriginal people, including Elders and Knowledge Holders with ties to Apical Ancestors who were involved in the FrontierWar/Wiradyuri War of Resistance that occurred in the Bathurst area of Wiradyuri Country in the early 1800’s.
Key members include Dinawan Dyirribang Uncle Bill Allen Jr. Dinawan’s Apical Ancestor is Windradyne, well known Wiradyuri Lore Man and Head Warrior. Aunty Leanna Carr Wirribee’s Apical Ancestor is Willambirri who fought alongside Windradyne and Wurrimbirra. Yanhadarrambal Uncle Jade Flynn’s Apical Ancestor is Kitty Narrangie, whose son Warramundi was a resistance Warrior. As direct descendants of these Apical Ancestors, it is imperative to us that Oral History and cultural narratives are passed down through generations.