Traditional ceremony connects Gubbi Gubbi babies to country

Last month, 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies and 8 children were welcomed onto Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi country as part of the second annual Wunya Baby to Country Ceremony.

The babies and children were welcomed to country by Traditional Custodian, Aunty Lynette Johannessen.

Each baby received a kangaroo fur, a hand made leather headband and a certificate. Each family had the opportunity to plant a native seedling in the yourtown garden to signify a connection to the country.

The Wunya Baby to Country Ceremony is part of the implementation process of First 1,000 Days Australia in the Moreton Bay region and was held at yourtown in Deception Bay.

The event acknowledges Elders, families, and the carers of our future generations and has allowed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to revive practices that celebrate children, country and connection to land.

The ceremony is a whole community initiative, inclusive of a working group, sponsors, volunteers and community members.

Over 300 people attended the Wunya Baby to Country Ceremony, which uniquely provides a culturally safe space for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to come together to celebrate culture.

PHN Priority Communities Program Development Officer, Warwick Pawsey, attended the ceremony as part of the PHN's work with the First 1,000 Days project. For more information visit www.first1000daysaustralia.com.

Photo: Traditional Owner Aunty Lynette Johannessen presenting a certificate and kangaroo fur to mum and bub. Credit: Shannan Bishop.