The Dreaming

Nari Nari Nation

Historians believe the Nari Nari Nation was an amalgamation of peoples from the surrounding areas, such as the fierce Wiradjuri from the east. Many nations shared a common language pattern, using local sub-languages, and it is thought that the Nari Nari were skilled in many regional dialects.  Thought to be a peaceful nation, the Nari Nari were nevertheless and imposing people.  Research on burial patterns reveals tall, strong figures, attributes that assisted their survival in what could be a harsh area.

Aboriginal culture, on a whole, is one of the oldest in the world, with a history which stretches back over 50,000 years

The Past

Squatter Leases

The Hay area has a rich pastoral history, and is home to some of the most important and well-known rural holdings in the region.  Large leases were necessary to ensure a profitable return, and Lang’s Crossing was formed at the junction of four major properties; Illiliwa, John Tooths station, Eli-Elwah and Mungadingadal (now Mungadal). Toogimbie was a village unto itself, and housed many workers and stockman, who were necessary to run such a large holding.

Transport was centred on the Murrumbidgee River, which was a major paddle-steamer route, and wool was shipped from the station, with goods required by the station shipped in.

The Present

Nari Nari Tribal Council

Nari Nari Tribal Council was formed in 2000, and is a community group consisting of those with a cultural attachment to this area.  Toogimbie and Glenhope Stations were purchased in the same year by the Indigenous Land Corporation, and divested to the Nari Nari Tribal Council. While the pastoral history of the properties has left its mark, with constructed buildings, weed problems and soil degradation issues, the Land is being slowly reverted back to its natural state. Nari Nari Tribal Council employs permanent field and project management staff, however volunteer labour is supplied by members also. Toogimbie was declared an Indigenous Protected Area in 2004, and therefore enjoys status under the National Reserve System, which forms part of the Federal Governments Natural Heritage Trust.  This project, and other works funded by additional Commonwealth and State Government departments, contributes to conserving the ecological diversity of the Land. Toogimbie is important to local people for numerous reasons, including the protection of Aboriginal burial and occupation or camp sites.

The Future

Nari Nari Tribal Council is developing a unique blend of economic stability and cultural enhancement.  A portion of Toogimbie is operated under a lease arrangement, by the Maynard Family, who produce irrigated crops, while the remaining area is managed in accordance with World Conservation Union standards.  

Nari Nari Tribal Council members are working hard now, to secure a superior base for the community to learn and further educate on the complex issues surrounding the environment and Aboriginal heritage.  Future directions include limited eco-tourism and a place where families can return to, to maintain a close relationship with the land, the culture and each other.