Stories from Gamilaroi Country

Through their Social Delivery Plan, our contractor Trans4m Rail, are committed to building strong relationships with Traditional Custodians and the communities in which they work.

Painting titled

Trans4m Rail recently engaged local Gamilaroi woman Elenore Binge to create a painting that represents the place where the project is being built.

Titled “Journey”, the piece says… “We the Gomeroi people of Toomelah, Boggabilla and Goondiwindi are descendants from the original two Aboriginal Settlements of Euraba and Old Toomelah”.

“Three men, Walter Binge (my Great Grandfather), Charlie Dennison and Harry Lang walked our country in search of a better place for our people.” Elenore said.

“Walter, Charlie and Harry walked our Country alongside King Billy Hippi and found the Settlement of Toomelah where it is situated now, where the Dumaresq and the Macintyre rivers meet.”

Elenore said the two men stayed at Toomelah while King Billy and the other man went back to Old Toomelah and brought the whole tribe back to Toomelah where most of her people still live today.

Eurah leaves, traditional bush medicine plants, are depicted in the piece.

“Stories like this keep us connected to our songlines, identity and country and it’s a representation of time and travel.” Elenore explained.

Elenore was inspired to paint by her great Aunt Colleen McGrady. By frequently watching her paint, Elenore learnt the symbols and animals of the Gamilaroi people.

Elenore studied visual arts at the Canberra School of Arts and is now teaching Aboriginal Art and Cultural Practices at the North Coast Institute Campuses of Kingscliff, Lismore, Casino and Boggabilla TAFE.

IMAGE: Painting titled “Journey” from local Gamilaroi Artist, Elenore Binge

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