About Wurraial Media
Discover the story behind Wurraial Media a unique platform dedicated to sharing the history, culture, music and stories of First Nations people in Australia. Learn about our origins and what makes us special.
Wurraial
Wurraial (Lyre Bird)
As the sovereign Wurraial people of the Latrobe Valley, we uphold our traditional role as sovereign owners our land and guardians of our culture.
We live by this tribal lore, which remains a rigid, permanent law, standing in stark contrast to the ever-shifting laws of government.
In traditional Wurraial lore, the lyrebird is the teacher, a voice that connects the community to the land, environment and spiritual world, and carries the history of our country in its song.
"Wurraial," people identified the Latrobe river prior to colonisation as a place where the lyrebird's spiritual connection is present. It is the "River of the Lyrebird".
Above: King Station Traralgon 1861
Below: Camp Sovereignty 20 anniversary. With Claude 'Waa Bulung' Douglas, Buna Lawry (Coloured Stone) and Dave Arden.
Wurraial Media
Wurraial website originally began as a project as an extension of "Ngaragul's Corner" on Gippsland FM 104.7 for the Wurrail Media Service featuring the history, culture, and stories of First Nations people. The concept is to establish an independent first peoples platform run and administered by the Wruktan Kani people of Karnang (Gippsland). The platform is presented by co-founding member of First Nations reggae/rock band No Fixed Address, (Ngaragul) Ricky Harrison.
Ricky is also a graduate of the University of South Australia who also studied at Monash University, Churchill Victoria and the University of Southern Queensland, where he studied Anthropology and Archeology.
He worked an Aboriginal Educator at Primary and Secondary schools in Moe and a Student Support Teacher at TAFE Gippsland in Newborough, teaching Aboriginal history and culture.
Rick also worked as a Site Officer for the Gunai/Kurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation and also sat on the secretariat committee in the early 2000s.
Above Ricky Harrison far right with No Fixed Address 1981.
Ricky Harrison
Ricky Harrison is a singer songwriter musician and music producer in his own right and has continued to write and create music videos for his work over the years. He began his career in music at 16 years old when he co-founded indigenous band Black Satin with his cousins Nicky Moffatt, Wayne Thorpe, Tony Hood and later Sam Mobourne. In 1979 he moved to Adelaide where he became a student at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) and co-founding indigenous band No Fixed Address. In 1986 Ricky left the band and studied a degree in history, culture and administration at the School of Aboriginal Affairs and Administration at the University of South Australia in Adelaide. No Fixed Address reformed on numerous occasions and were inducted into NIMA 'Hall of Fame' in 2011 and the South Australian Music 'Hall of Fame' ion 2016. Adelaide City Council named a laneway adjacent to Rundle Mall, after the band in 2021.
Left: Live Clip of Pigs - No Fixed Address tour of the Uk in 1984 with footage from the Commonwealth games protest in Brisbane Qld, 1982. Some words in the clip are today considered to be explicit.
What we offer
This website offers insight into the history, culture, stories, music, language, and social organisations of traditional and modern First Nations people of Australia. Through news items in medias segments, podcasts, and video stories, we aim to provide a comprehensive look into First Nations society. Explore our page to learn about the Wruktan-kani (black people of the land), of Wurraial (Latrobe Valley) in Victoria, Australia.
At Wurraial Media, we are committed to raising awareness and showcasing the rich heritage of First Nations people. As part of Wurraial Media, a podcast production will soon air based in Mowell, Victoria Australia, we strive to share valuable news and blog posts. Our goal is to create a platform where you can connect with and learn about the vibrant First Nations society.
"Muk Kutbun Lewin is an invaluable resource for understanding and celebrating First Nations culture. The stories shared here are both educational and deeply moving."
The Early History of Gippsland page, unique is its commitment to historical truth-telling. We explore accounts and perspectives from early settler, missionaries and dedicated researchers in Gippsland, offering a multi-faceted view of the past and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their impact.
Research material was gathered from members of the Wruktan Kani (first people of the land) living in Karnang (Gippsland) in the 1850s-60s.
The Prima face account of the Wruktan Kani, in Gippsland during the 1850s-60s, provides significant insights into their culture, lifestyle, interactions with European settlers, and the impact of colonisation on their community.
Overall, the 1840s-60s marked a time of considerable upheaval for Indigenous Australians due to European expansion, particularly during settlement and the gold rush era, which increased pressure on our tribal communities.
Understanding the traditional practices, beliefs, and social structures of the Wruktan Kani, including their connection to the land, language, and art forms became confused due the colonial narrative.
We examine the socio-political landscape of Gippsland during the 1840s-60s, including interactions with explorers, missionaries and settlers, and the effects of land dispossession.
We also Investigate resistance movements and adaptations that the Wruktan Kani made in response to colonisation, including changes in their economic practices.
We discuss the long-term impacts of colonization on the Wruktan Kani people and their ongoing efforts for recognition and rights.
Early History of Karnang (Gippsland).