The Gumbaynggirr Nation is one of the largest coastal Aboriginal nations in New South Wales. The Gumbaynggirr people believe that they have occupied the land and seas in this area since the Yuludarla or the Dreaming. Science has been able to date Aboriginal use of lands in this area approximately 60, 000 years ago when the sea levels were significantly lower. This meant the Gumbaynggirr lands extended out to the Continental Shelf, an area now covered by the sea. 

The geographical area of the Gumbaynggirr Nation stretches from the Nambucca River in the south, to around the Clarence River in the north, and up on the Great Dividing Range in the west.¹ The Gumbaynggirr Nation also includes the sea, the islands off the coast and stretches to the sky above.

There are a number of recognised clan groups within the Gumbaynggirr Nation that share the same language.

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¹ Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, n.d., Gumbaynggirr, Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co operative, viewed 31 October 2018, <http://muurrbay.org.au/languages/gumbaynggirr>.

[Excerpt from Yandaarra - Shifting Camp Together, Coffs Harbour City Council, August 2019, p6]

Related article: https://www.coffscoastheritage.info/2021/10/when-two-cultures-meet/