URGENT UPDATE: A heartfelt Welcome Baby to Country ceremony took place today on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River at Koori Beach, Narrandera, celebrating the arrival of 20 newborns from Narrandera and Leeton. Families gathered to honor this significant cultural event, connecting each infant to their ancestral lands on November 6, 2025.
The gathering saw families with babies aged 0–12 months presented to respected Elders, Aunty Jennifer Johnson and Aunty Joy Ingram. Each child received a personalized certificate and gifts, symbolizing their connection to the community and the land.
This event, organized by the Gundyarri Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District’s Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) and Building Strong Foundations (BSF) teams, highlights the importance of welcoming infants into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
According to Cherry Johnson, Director of Gundyarri Aboriginal Corporation, these ceremonies are vital for both the identity of the babies and the community. “It’s part of our being, our identity, to bring our babies home to their Country to connect and bond with traditions,” she stated.
The cultural practice of welcoming babies to Country is a time-honored tradition, aimed at fostering connections among families, Elders, and the broader community. The event not only celebrates new life but also reinforces the cultural ties that bind the community together.
This year’s ceremony was made possible through a Cultural Grant from Aboriginal Affairs, ensuring that such important traditions continue to thrive. As families looked on, the blessings of the river and land were a reminder of the deep-rooted connection to the Wiradjuri Nation.
As the community rejoices in these new beginnings, the significance of these ceremonies continues to resonate, drawing together families in shared heritage and cultural pride.
Stay tuned for further updates on community events and initiatives aimed at celebrating cultural identity and connection in Narrandera and beyond.
