06 JULY 2022 | ISSUE 503 | FREE
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Proudly Representing the Taungurung Nation
Bonnie Cavanagh is a proud Taungurung woman living in Nagambie, Taungurung Country. She recently began her role as the Executive Manager of Community and Culture at the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) – the corporate representative and ‘voice’ of the Taungurung people, the Traditional Owners of a large part of central Victoria.
family lineage, details about her mob, and her connections to community while being grounded on Country.
With events for NAIDOC Week (3 July to 10 July) celebrating the oldest living culture in the world, it provided the perfect opportunity for Bonnie to reflect on her connection to Country and the importance Taungurung heritage has had on her life.
After more than a decade working with Victoria Police, Bonnie joined TLaWC following the birth of her first child.
‘I see myself as lucky, having been able to experience Taungurung culture and Country since I was a kid.
‘Sometimes as a kid, you don’t know how to apply culture because Aboriginal history is not widely taught in schools. But it is exciting to see that the focus is shifting in the curriculum.’ ‘People are willing to engage, listen and learn more about Taungurung culture, language, Country. Especially kids – often, they are the driving force. They are asking the questions and they are our future leaders.’
‘TLaWC guides the long-term direction of the Taungurung Nation. The Community and Culture division is a conduit to the TLaWC members – Taungurung people who have signed up to the corporation. It’s about listening, sharing, collaborating. Both now and into the future.’
Many Taungurung people find out about their Aboriginal heritage later in life, but I was able to proudly represent my people from a young age.’
She cites the pride in working for her mob as the key motivator in the change.
Bonnie was raised with the knowledge of her
‘I’m so proud to be working at TLaWC, and I have a great team with me. I can’t wait to embed
a lot of our future programs into the community and see them flourish.’ Bonnie believes cultural awareness, language revitalisation, connecting with advisory groups, preservation and sharing of knowledge, and the growth of a community benefits programs are just some of the important features within her role. ‘I’m so passionate about language reawakening. To be able to start using some of our language in emails, referring to language and using those words with family, and being able to pronounce them – it’s just exciting to be really embedding our culture whenever and wherever we can.’ National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday) to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Bonnie highlights NAIDOC Week as an opportunity for all community to celebrate, not just people with Aboriginal heritage. ‘I celebrate my culture every day, professionally and personally. But this is a mark on the calendar where anyone can have the confidence to embrace history through the many events and ceremonies.’ ‘It’s also pleasing to see the non-indigenous
community join us to highlight achievements and progression – this is the oldest continuous living culture on Earth, and we all walk together.’ Bonnie encourages everyone to find their own way to connect during NAIDOC Week. ‘If you’re curious, if you’re unsure how to be involved or how to show support during the week – reach out to us. This is about being upfront and open. If there is anything our community is all about, it’s sharing knowledge to help create understanding.’ Conversations are not limited to NAIDOC Week. TLaWC can participate with the community through a range of opportunities by logging on to the website or checking out TLaWC’s Facebook page. Bonnie can usually be found running laps of the Nagambie Lake or dashing into IGA countless times each day. She loves to chat and is always happy to answer questions. 'Please feel free to stop and say hello when you see me in the community. I’m always up for a yarn.’ Learn more about TLaWC via the website www.taungurung.com.au or through Facebook www.facebook.com/ taungurunglandandwaterscouncil Ngun godjin (regards).