Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

1971-2017

Known as Gurrumul and also referred to since his death as Dr G Yunupingu, he was an Aboriginal Australian musician of the Yolŋu peoples. He played drums, keyboards, guitar (played lefthanded, strung right-handed) and didgeridoo, but it was the clarity of his singing voice that attracted rave reviews. He sang stories of his land in Yolŋu languages and in English. He was also formerly a member of Yothu Yindi and later of Saltwater Band. Born on Elcho Island, NT in Arnhem Land, the first of four sons to Ganiyinurra (Daisy) of the Gumal clan and Nyambi (Terry) Yunupingu, a Gumal clansman, he was born blind.

Gurrumul was educated by cultural immersion from his aunties, parents and grandmothers with love and lullabies and from his uncles, fathers and grandfathers through ceremony and songs and storytelling, much of it through music.

Throughout his childhood he was built, given or bought tin cans, sticks, toy keyboards, piano accordions, nylon string guitars and later bilma (clap sticks). At four years old he taught himself to play a toy piano and accordion. And a year later he began to play a guitar. He learned foot stomping, calling and whooping vocalisations of traditional songs and their different sounds. And he later sang hymns in the mission choir.

He left school at 12 and his first album was released in 2008. Critics heaped praise on the singer describing his voice as having transcendental beauty. The money he made was mainly shared with his family following the Aboriginal tradition of sharing wealth. He rarely gave interviews, instead relying on his friend, spokesperson and collaborator, Michael Hohnen to speak for him, following a Yolŋu custom that dictated that Gurrumul’s role was only to sing while his elders spoke publicly.

He said “I can play and sing and tell people things through my songs. We have an encyclopedia of stories ready to tell …….”

He won many awards and died at 46 from liver and kidney damage from Hepatitis B which he contracted in childhood. On his death he was described as important in fostering racial harmony and as a voice of Indigenous Australians! The documentary “Gurrumul” will be screened at the Forrest Hall on Thursday June 8 at 7.30.

Pauline Rostos with help from Wikipedia

Heinz Kausche 1942-2023

After a long illness Heinz is now at peace. Heinz come to Australia aged 21 from Germany. He loved this country and especially the Otways and purchased a 3 acre bush block in Barramunga in 1973. Over many years, Heinz together with his family, and the help of friends, built 3 holiday cottages, known as Barramunga Cabins. Heinz also had his very own man cave along Turner Drive, Forrest. He spent many happy hours in Forrest bush walking and in earlier years riding his bike. He also enjoyed being a member of the local Men's Shed.

Never too old for Yoga

Every first Tuesday of the month there is a quiet gathering of Seniors ( elders, if you like) - Forrest citizens 60 and over.

On average there are about 6 to 8 of us in the Neighbourhood house eagerly awaiting Amanda who will give us a session of chair yoga, so we don’t actually have to move from our chairs to enjoy yoga. It really feels

At the age of 69, Barramunga Cabins was sold so Heinz and I could retire. We had many wonderful trips and adventures discovering areas beyond the Otways with our Ford Territory and little Avan. Heinz and I enjoyed visiting other country towns and the Australian Outback.

Heinz was one of the first tourist operators in the area. It was a labour of love, including love for the Otways that he wanted to share with other nature lovers.

By Valerie Kausche

as good as the standing up and sitting down yoga! Then there is time for a chat or discussion and after that some yummy morning tea - cakes, scones, dips and fruit. It’s fun and relaxing and you only have to tell your secrets if you want to. So spread the word if you’re 60 or over and not too shy about your age or flexibility!

Pauline Rostos