VILLAGES Goodooga

Season 3, Episode 9,   Nov 18, 01:07 AM

In this Episode we hear interviews from people in Goodooga NSW. Located in northwestern New South Wales, Australia on the Queensland border Goodooga is a remote town on the Bokhara River. A population of just over 200 people, Goodooga is home to a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who make up a significant portion of the population. The Goodooga Tin Camp and Cemeteries are very important to the Yuwaalaraay/Urallaroi, Murrawarri, and other Aboriginal people.
One of Goodooga's most unique attractions is the Great Artesian Bore Baths. This natural wonder, fed by mineral-rich waters from deep beneath the earth's surface, offers a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

In this Episode we hear interviews from people in Goodooga NSW. Located in northwestern New South Wales, Australia on the Queensland border Goodooga is a remote town on the Bokhara River.  A population of just over 200 people, Goodooga is home to a strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community who make up a significant portion of the population. The Goodooga Tin Camp and Cemeteries are very important to the Yuwaalaraay/Urallaroi, Murrawarri, and other Aboriginal people.
One of Goodooga's most unique attractions is the Great Artesian Bore Baths. This natural wonder, fed by mineral-rich waters from deep beneath the earth's surface, offers a relaxing and therapeutic experience.

Episode Features:

Dr. Mary Anne Jebb helps us learn more about the history of Goodooga.


Tommy Stanton, a lifelong Goodooga resident, recalls a vibrant past. Back then, outdoor adventures and Sunday School buggy rides were highlights. Today, he works at the local school and council, striving to improve the community. The once-thriving river, a vital lifeline, has sadly seen better days.


Drawn by its beauty and the strong connection to his previous teaching experience in nearby Brewarrina, Colin Rogers is a teacher at the Central School. He originally planned to retire, but after spending a year in Goodooga, he's fallen in love with the place and has stayed on!


Warren Mason, shares a poignant and honest story about his grandfather who signed the Aboriginal Exemption. This little-known policy impacted many Aboriginal communities and families. Warren's work at the Tin Camp Studio reflects his commitment to healing and cultural expression. This creative space provides a safe haven for sharing stories, songs, and music, promoting healing through the power of sound and vibration.


Karen Lane, an Aboriginal teacher, is passionate about education, opportunities and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. She highlights the significance  & value of the river and cultural practice to her community.


Lucy Howard-Shibuya, a language teacher, shares her experiences working with Aboriginal communities to create rich learning experiences. She emphasises the importance of incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into education and to encourage “immersion” and “exchange”.


Denise talks about growing up, memories and lessons she’s learned. Through her stories we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and wonderful opportunities she faced.


Explore Goodooga further:


https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/wnswlhd/careers/our-communities/goodooga


Tin Camp Studios https://www.tincampstudios.com.au/


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Special thanks to Dr. Mary Anne Jebb

You can find a number of her published works including “Our Mob Served: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories of war and defending Australia” (2022), “Burlganyja Wanggaya” (2012) and “Singing The Train” (2014) from great book retailers.
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Thanks to all the Goodooga participants! Big thanks to Warren & Donna Mason at the Tin Camp Studios https://www.tincampstudios.com.au/
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Thanks to Colleen O'Brien and Martin Trama for new Season 3 Voice Overs
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The Outback Outloud Podcast was designed and produced by Signal Creative’s Emma Hoy and Caroline Wallace. Outback Outloud is an ongoing project collaboration between Signal Creative and our principal partner Outback Arts.  The Outback Outloud community project and workshop series was designed, managed and delivered by Signal Creative. Special Guest team member in 2024 is Dr. Mary Anne Jebb. Outback Outloud is funded by Create NSW and Outback Arts.

Podcast Audio Production, Music and Sound Design by Emma Hoy
Podcast Audio Editing Assistant is Caroline Wallace

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The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Outback Outloud Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Signal Creative and Outback Arts 2024.