It’s a wrap for Ballina. You can listen to Ballina’s Water Stories online in our explore section.
The eight stories on the Soundtrail explore how water (or guung) is important to the Nyangbal peoples’ way of life and culture, and influenced the lives of the early settlers at Ballina, in the Northern Rivers of New South Wales.
The Soundtrail is part of a longer Water Walk from the Marine Rescue Tower in East Ballina along the riverfront into Fawcett Park in the Ballina town centre.
The project was co-designed with cultural knowledge holders and language teachers Marcus Ferguson and Uncle Ricky Cook, along with Nyangbal Elders Uncle Graham Marlow and Aunty Sandra Bolt, and historian Dr Kate Gahan.
Soundtrails sends its thoughts to Uncle Ricky’s family, following his passing as the Water Stories project was nearing completion.
Soundtrail Producer Jeanti St Clair said gathering the stories of Elders and working with Marcus, Uncle Ricky and Kate was an enriching experience.
With Marcus as key narrator, the Soundtrail weaves together personal reflections and historical accounts that highlight the importance of the river to both Nyganbal and settler communities. The stories are accompanied by natural soundscapes recorded along the river.
“As you walk between the stories, you also hear the voice of Uncle Ricky sharing Nyangbal language connected to the river, the flora and fauna, and the ways Nyangbal people lived on Country,” Jeanti said.
Local actors Dianne Ennew, Allen Ennew and Melinda Saxe perform interpretations of historical figures for the final story on the audio walk, River People and Landscape, set at the Pioneer Park Cemetery.
Ballina’s Water Stories project was launched at a small and respectful outdoor event at Pioneer Park, to thank the many people who contributed to the project and to honour Uncle Ricky’s legacy, with many of his family in attendance.
Speakers included the Ballina Shire Council Mayor Sharon Cadwallader, JALI Aboriginal Land Council chairperson Kylie Jacky and Dr Kate Gahan.
Kate described Uncle Ricky as a devoted teacher and acknowledged that through Ballina’s Water Stories Soundtrail his teaching will continue.
If you are travelling to or through Ballina, we invite you to stop at the Marine Rescue Tower carpark and enjoy a walk along the Richmond River. Take your time, listen to the stories, and experience this special place.
Because of the walk’s proximity to the ocean and the sound of the surf, we recommend wearing headphones for the best audio experience. Please be mindful of other users by keeping to the left of the shared path.
To download the free Soundtrails mobile app, scan this QR code.
When you are close to Ballina, Ballina’s Water Stories will appear at the top of the list. It is easiest to download the app and Soundtrail when you have Wi-Fi or good mobile connection.