Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation CEO Aunty Iris Troutman told the story of Bobbinawarra in Mulwala as part of NAIDOC week.
Federation’s youngest residents have embarked on a captivating journey into First Nations culture, joining Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation CEO Aunty Iris Troutman for special Bangerang Dreamtime Storytime and art workshops during NAIDOC Week 2025.
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The engaging sessions, held across Mulwala, Corowa and Howlong brought to life ancient Bangerang Dreamtime stories, traditionally told around campfires to children to educate them about the rights and wrongs of people’s behaviour and the consequences of their actions.
The stories also explain why certain animals are the way they are and how they came to be that way.
Aunty Iris selected three stories from Grandpa Milawa Stories: Australian Dreamtime Stories, a cherished collection written by the late Uncle Freddie Dowling, passed down through generations of the Bangerang People.
Federation Council mayor Cheryl Cook applauded the initiative.
"NAIDOC Week is a vital time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Cr Cook said.
“Sharing these incredible Dreamtime stories with our children is not only educational but also deeply moving.
“It fosters understanding and respect for the world's oldest living culture right here in our community."
Many Mobs Indigenous Corporation CEO Aunty Iris Troutman tells the story of Boggi and Mitta Mitta through artwork.
In Mulwala, children were enthralled by the story of Bobbinawarra, a skilled fisherman who found himself struggling to find fish during a drought and decided to travel south to the sea.
After a scare with some sharks, Bobbinawarra and his family changed into pelicans and flew back to the North East and safety.
The story explains why to this very day, pelicans are white with the black patch on their back, and why you rarely see a pelican in the sea.
Aunty Iris masterfully used vibrant paintings as a narrative tool, bringing each story to life.
Children actively participated, adding to the canvases with dot painting techniques and creating their own clay babies in coolamons, adorned with bark and emu feathers, alongside painted hand and foot moulds to take home.
The children joined in creating artwork to tell the story of Yirradwor.
"It was truly wonderful to see our young people so engaged and creatively connecting with these ancient narratives,” Cr Cook said.
“Aunty Iris's ability to translate these stories into accessible and interactive experiences is truly a gift.
“These workshops are a fantastic way to honor this year's NAIDOC Week theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, by empowering our children with knowledge and appreciation for First Nations culture."
In a generous gesture, now departed and much respected former Bangerang elder, Uncle Freddie Dowling's sons donated copies of Grandpa Milawa Stories to each of the Federation Council libraries.
These books, alongside the colourful paintings created during the workshops, will reside in the libraries, ensuring that the Dreamtime stories of the Bangerang Peoples continue to be shared with future generations.
