The Ngullingah Jugun (Our Country) Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC serves as the registered native title body corporate (RNTBC) for the Western Bundjalung people, holding and managing their native title rights over two key areas in northern New South Wales.
The first recognition came on 29 August 2017 with a Federal Court determination covering Part A of the Western Bundjalung claim. This determination affirmed the existence of native title across several local government areas, including Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Tenterfield, Glen Innes Severn, and Richmond Valley Councils. This decision became effective on 12 July 2018.
Following this, Part B of the native title claim was determined on 27 June 2018. This second ruling confirmed additional areas where native title continues to exist, with the decision taking full effect on 4 May 2021. Together, these determinations represent significant victories, reaffirming the cultural, spiritual, and economic connections that the Western Bundjalung people maintain with their traditional lands.
These outcomes acknowledge the people’s right to continue practices such as fishing, hunting, gathering, and protecting sites of significance, marking a milestone in Indigenous recognition in the region. Ngullingah Jugun Aboriginal Corporation plays a critical role in ensuring these rights are preserved and exercised sustainably for the benefit of current and future generations.
This journey reflects both the resilience and cultural strength of the Western Bundjalung people as they reclaim and maintain stewardship over their traditional lands.
For more detailed information on these determinations, visit the National Native Title Register and the Part B determination.
Ngullingah Jugun (Our Country) Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is proud to stand as the recognised custodian of the Western Bundjalung People’s land, embodying their collective rights and cultural heritage. As a corporation registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) and a prescribed body corporate under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), the Corporation plays a vital role in preserving and managing the native title rights and interests of the Western Bundjalung People.
The journey to recognition reached a pivotal milestone through the Federal Court of Australia’s determinations on 29 August 2017 and 27 June 2018, which affirmed the native title of the Western Bundjalung People. With this recognition, the Corporation holds these rights on trust, ensuring the legacy, culture, and identity of the Western Bundjalung People are protected and celebrated.
Ngullingah Jugun Aboriginal Corporation’s journey reflects a commitment to cultural continuity and community empowerment. As custodians of the land, the Corporation ensures the protection of cultural sites, promotes traditional knowledge, and fosters sustainable opportunities for future generations. Every step forward honours the ancestral connection to Country and reinforces the significance of Aboriginal governance in the ongoing management of these lands.
Through partnerships, governance, and engagement with Elders, stakeholders, and the community, Ngullingah Jugun Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC embodies the spirit of Our Country—a deep connection to land and culture that transcends time.
Ngullingah Jagun Aboriginal Corporation Native Title Area is held by the West Bundjalung People who compromise all the descendants of the following apical ancestors:
And persons adopted or incorporated into the families of those persons and who identify as and are accepted as Western Bundjalung People in accordance with Western Bundjalung traditional laws and customs (and the biological descendants of any such adopted or incorporated persons).
Note
‘Adopted’ refers to raising, rearing up or growing up a child who is not your biological child as your own in accordance with Western Bundjalung law and custom.
‘Incorporated’ refers to a person whose biological parentage belongs to a descent group outside the Western Bundjalung People’s being afforded the same rights, responsibilities and knowledge as a Western Bundjalung person in accordance with Western Bundjalung law and custom.
Ngullingah Jugun is governed by a Board of up to 12 members, representing the twelve apical ancestor bloodlines. The current Board has 10 members, with two positions unfilled.
Hi my name is Kaelah Randall
I am a descendant from Alice Tindal (AKA Alice Brown) Lionsville circa 1870
My Family is known as the Djanbun Clan (Platypus people) has always lived, visited and practiced our cultural beliefs on our traditional lands.
At the start of every year, we have a ceremony to cleanse our soul connect with country, introduce our younger generation and remember our ancestors.
As a director, I am representing my people and want to help preserve it for future generations. I’m back on country every week for meetings with directors, stakeholders and participating in cultural and corporate activities in the Western Bundjalung Claimant area.
Descending from Matilda “Tilly” Gaton who was born at Yulgilbar in 1879, my grandmother was Molly Williams/Rambaldini/Power who for many years lived in Ridge St South Grafton.
I was born and raised in Sydney but have always had strong connection to the northern rivers through our Bundjalung family.
I am proud of my family’s work to win native title recognition and hope to contribute to our corporation as it looks to protect ‘country’ while offering cultural, employment and business opportunities for members.
I am a descendant on numerous lines and I am currently representing as a director the Pearsons and Roach families.
I was born and attended school in Baryulgil NSW, though I have recently moved to Grafton.
I have worked with Lands Council and CDP programs in the past and I’m looking forward to sharing. my experience and knowledge as director.
I am a descendant on numerous lines but I am currently the director for the Apical / descendant line of Alice Tindal also known as Alice Brown (who was born in Lionsville circa 1870).
As a director, I am back on country every week for meetings with directors, stakeholders and participating in cultural and corporate activities in the Western Bundjalung Claimant area.
I grew up in Baryulgil and still reside there. I was heavily influenced in Aboriginal rights by my mother (Linda Walker) and father (Neil Walker).
I currently represent Harry Joseph Mundine family as a director and acknowledge the other ancestral lines I come from.
I hope to have a positive impact and carry on the good work from all those before me.
To be completed.
I am a descendant of multiple West Bundjalung lines but I am currently the director for the Apical / descendant line of Harry Walker (1850).
As a director, my aim is to appropriately represent my people by consistently providing positive input into NJAC as a proactive director. I am based in Malabugilmah and regularly visit the other communities NJAC represent.
To be completed.
To be completed.
To be completed.
I come from Tabulam and am the granddaughter of Eric Walker. Being able to work on this country and continuing to implement what he envisioned for our country and people, is something that really hits home for me.
Hi my name is Trevor Collins I’m originally from Tabulam, from there Walker’s bloodline and now work for NJAC which I enjoy being back home.