Stories. Sounds. Knowledge.
“Too often it was someone else telling our story. This is a wonderful opportunity for our mob to tell our stories and educate whoever wants to engage and take that road.” (UNCLE KEVIN RUSSELL)
Yalinguth connects you with stories and knowledge shared by Elders and community. With headphones on and the app launched you will be guided by stories and sounds, drawing you closer, until you are right there in the middle of a protest, sitting beside a storyteller, or walking next to a poet.
Story gatherer Graham (BJ) Braybon testing the Yalinguth app at the Stolen Generations Marker
Yalinguth Places & Experiences
Download the Yalinguth Brochure to use as a poster, or print and take with you on a self-guided tour.
Download the Yalinguth Tours info sheet to find out about the 2 hour guided tours we run.
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Ngár-go/Fitzroy
Start at ‘The Fig Tree’ in Carlton Gardens near the corner of Gertrude/Nicholson Street, then head east along Gertrude Street to Atherton Gardens and on to Smith Street. The walk takes 1-3 hours depending how long you stop at various locations.
Iconic Gertrude street is a hugely significant place for Aboriginal people. You’ll hear stories and sounds about the civil rights movement, Aboriginal organisations, stolen generations, finding family, and the love and strength of the Fitzroy community.
This walk includes significant places such as The Fig Tree, the Koori Club, the Builders Arms Hotel, the Meeting Place in Atherton Gardens, Sir Pastor Doug Nicholl’s Church, and stories about the many community-controlled organisations established in Ngár-go/Fitzroy.
To learn more about this significant location also check out the City of Yarra’s Fitzroy Aboriginal Heritage Walking Trail.
Birrarung/Yarra River
Start at Enterprize Park at the end of William Street in the City, then head east along the river to the MCG via Federation Square, Birrarung Marr and Speakers’ Corner. The walk takes 1-3 hours depending how long you stop at various locations.
Birrarung means ‘river of mists’ in the Woi wurrung language. The Wurundjeri lived in camps along the river prior to colonisation, and it is central to Wurundjeri spiritual and cultural identity.
This walk includes stories and sounds about life along the Birrarung before the arrival of the tall ships, the impact of colonisation, the civil rights movement and staunch leaders, marngrook and Australian Rules Football, and the history of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which was once a traditional gathering place.
Uncle Jack Charles, Troy Austin and Aunty Pat Ockwell yarnin’ up on Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Yalinguth Storytellers
Over several years of story gathering, a team of 20 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders recorded powerful stories from the following Yalinguth storytellers.
Uncle Archie Roach
Uncle Archie Roach is a Gunditjmara man from south west Victoria and Bundjalung of the northern coastal area of New South Wales. He is a much loved singer, song-writer, guitarist, storyteller and a campaigner for Aboriginal rights. Uncle Archie’s first album Charcoal Lane was released in 1990 and is named after one of Fitzroy’s meeting places.
Kutcha Edwards
Kutcha Edwards is a proud Mutti Mutti man. Kutcha is a singer, songwriter and songman, combining his ‘Bidgee’ blues with the traditional songs of Country and people. Kutcha’s music touches the soul through his humour and insights, his connection to those who have gone before him, and life experiences.
Uncle Jack Charles
Uncle Jack Charles is a proud Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woi Wurrung and Yorta Yorta man. Uncle Jack is a well-respected Elder, actor, musician and activist. At 19 he began a career as an actor and has graced the stage and screen with many productions, including touring his one man stage show ‘Jack Charles v The Crown’ and co-founded Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group, Nindethana.
Aunty Beryl Booth
Aunty Beryl Booth is a Gunditjmara and Gunai-Kurnai Elder. Aunty Beryl was born in Fitzroy in 1942. She is an advocate for Aboriginal people around Victoria and has played key roles in education, health, housing and the environment. Aunty Beryl was also involved in the campaign that led to the historic decision that recognised Gunditjmara people as the custodians of Lake Condah in Western Victoria.
Aunty Rieo Ellis
Aunty Rieo Ellis is a proud Waka/Bunjilung Elder, with a strong connection to Fitzroy. Aunty Rieo is an inspiring force with Grandmothers Against Removals (GMAR), a grassroots organisation led by Aboriginal grandmothers to support families against the ongoing removal of children from their families.
Aunty Marlene Scerri
Aunty Marlene Scerri is a Gunai/Gunditjmara woman. She is a screen printing and textile artist and teacher. Aunty Marlene’s art has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Victoria, Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum, Whittlesea Council and St Vincent’s Hospital.
Aunty Annie Young
Aunty Annie Young is a proud Gunai, Gundijtmara, Bangerang, Woi Wurrung woman, with ties to Tasmania as well. She is a fourth generation grassroots Fitzroy community member. Aunty Annie’s family was one of the first families to move into Fitzroy, as Aboriginal families were moved off the missions across Victoria.
Uncle Kevin Russell
Uncle Kevin Russell is a proud Yorta Yorta man, with family ties back to Cummeragunja, who in the tradition of his family works tirelessly for his community. He is the great grandson of Uncle William Cooper, and grandson of Aunty Sally Cooper. Uncle William Cooper is recognised as one of the founders of Aboriginal activism who fought for the rights of his people and many oppressed groups.
Bobby Nicholls
(Robert Nicholls) Bobby Nicholls is a Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wotjobaluk man. Bobby has worked in community run organisations such as the Aborigines Advancement League, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency, and the Aboriginal Housing Board of Victoria. Bobby is one of the founding members of Yarnin’ Pictures, formed by his passion to document Elders stories whilst training Aboriginal youth in the art of filmmaking.
Aunty Pat Ockwell
Aunty Pat Ockwell is a proud Wurundjeri woman and a respected Elder. Aunty Pat’s passion for community can be seen through her inspiring work in housing and justice. She worked at many Aboriginal hostels, helping to keep young people out of the prison system and get their lives back on track. Aunty Pat has also served on the Dandenong and District Aborigines Co-operative and has played a major role with Aboriginal Housing Victoria for over 30 years.
Uncle Graham (Bootsie) Thorpe
Uncle Graham (Bootsie) Thorpe is a proud Gunai Elder and a much loved community leader. Uncle Bootsie has worked in community health, mental health services and supporting community members in and out of the justice system. Now retired he continues to volunteer at Dardi Munwurro with his son Alan Thorpe, providing guidance and a safe space for Aboriginal men to heal through men's groups and gatherings.
Uncle Colin Hunter
Uncle Colin Hunter is a proud Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Elder. Uncle Colin worked in cultural heritage for 10 years before beginning his work in local government. He is a member of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Board of Directors and Co-Chair at South Eastern DHHS Aboriginal Working Group.
Aunty Georgina
(Lovett) Williams
Aunty Georgina Dulcie Lovett Williams is a Gunditjmara woman who grew up in Fitzroy. Aunty Georgina has dedicated her life to fighting for land rights and social justice. Her social work training and tenacious spirit led her to work within many Aboriginal organisations. Her inspiring work within community is ongoing.
Aunty Janice Austin
Aunty Janice Austin is Gundijtmara, with family ties to Framlingham Mission. Aunty Janice moved from Preston to Fitzroy in the 1960s when she was 17 years old. She gave her time to help her community at the Soup Kitchen on Smith Street, and worked at various community organisations and hostels.
Rob Bundle
Rob Bundle is from Yuin and Bidjura country. Rob is a singer-songwriter and musician who has been writing and performing music for more than 35 years. He is also a filmmaker, MC, and a musical historian of Songlines. He has collaborated and performed with the likes of Archie Roach, Bart Willoughby, Kutcha Edwards, Dave Arden, Shane Howard, Dave Steele, and Neil Murray to name a few.
Uncle Joe Bell
Uncle Joe Bell is a Yorta Yorta man. He first came to Fitzroy in the late 1970s looking to reconnect with family and community, and to join the Fitzroy Stars Football team. Uncle Joe worked for the Victorian Child Care Agency on Brunswick Street, where he supported caseworkers helping young people to find and reconnect with family.
Robbie Thorpe
Robbie Thorpe is from Krautungalung country, of the Gunai Nation, the traditional owners of Lake Tyers. Robbie is a powerful activist and presenter of Melbourne community radio station 3CR’s ‘Fire First’ program. He ran the Koori Information Centre on Gertrude Street, and created the famous ‘Pay the Rent’ campaign.
Gary Murray
Gary Murray is a descendant of the Wamba Wamba, Dhudhuroa, Wiradjeri, Yorta Yorta, Baraparapa, Dja Dja Wurrung and Wergaia Nations. Gary is a well-respected and long serving activist and advocate for justice on land rights, cultural heritage protection and community capacity building.
Uncle Kelvin Onus King
Uncle Kelvin Onus King is a proud Gunditjmara man. He grew up in and around the Fitzroy area and was guided by many of the much loved community leaders and activists. Uncle Kelvin helped to establish community controlled and run health organisations in hundreds of Aboriginal communities across the entire country.
Denise McGuinness
Denise McGuinness is a Gunditjmara, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri woman. Denise grew up in the strong Fitzroy community created by leaders like her Nan and Aunty Edna who were instrumental in forming the Aboriginal Health Service. Denise has worked at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service for more than twenty years. She is also a comedian and winner of the National Deadly Awards.
Clinton Naina
Clinton Naina is a Meriam Mir man, from Torres Straight Eastern Island and Cape York Kuuku Ya’u people. He is a multi-disciplinary artist, whose practice includes painting, photography, printmaking, installation and performance art. Clinton was raised in Fitzroy with a strong sense of the power of community to stand together and to fight against injustice.
Troy Austin
Troy Austin is a Gunditjmara community member. Troy grew up in and around Fitzroy with a strong sense of community strength and commitment. Troy follows in the proud footsteps of community leaders like his dad Uncle Jock Austin who founded the Fitzroy Stars Aboriginal Youth Club gymnasium, now called the Melbourne Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation Co-op (MAYSAR).
Lidia Thorpe
Lidia Thorpe is a proud Gunai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung woman. Lidia is a lifelong activist and fighter for human rights, social justice and the environment. She is a Federal Senator for Victoria, the Greens Federal spokesperson for First Nations, Justice, and Sport, and the first Aboriginal person to be elected to Victoria parliament in 2017.
John Harding
John Harding is a descendant of the KuKu Yalanji tribe and the Mer people. John has worked as an actor and within Aboriginal affairs and education. He co-founded the Ilbijerri Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Theatre Co-op in Melbourne. John was nominated for a Deadly Award, Outstanding Achievement in Literature, for his book The Dirty Mile, a History of Indigenous Fitzroy (2006).
Uncle Herb Patten
Uncle Herb Patten is a Gunai/Kurnai, Yorta Yorta and Wiradjuri man. He is a painter and gum leaf player, who learned to play watching his great uncle Lindsay Thomas blowing leaves in the bush at Newmerella, Victoria. Uncle Herb has released two CDs – ‘How to Play the Gumleaf’ and ‘Born an Aussie Son’ – and is widely known throughout Australia.
Gary Foley
Gary Foley is a Gumbainggir descendant from northern NSW and well-respected activist, academic, writer, actor, educator. He has been at the forefront of major political events in Australia including co-founding the Tent Embassy in Canberra (1972), the Springbok tour demonstrations (1971), Commonwealth Games protest (1982), and protests during the bicentennial celebrations (1988). Gary was one of the driving forces behind the Black Power movement and helped establish community run organisations across Australia.
Aunty Alma Thorpe
Aunty Alma Thorpe is a much respected Gunditjmara Elder. Aunty Alma was born in Fitzroy in 1935 and became an instrumental part of the Aboriginal led movement. Her passion and drive helped create the groundbreaking Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. Aunty Alma’s work with the National Aboriginal and Islander Health Organisation (NAIHO) helped to roll out Aboriginal led health programs across Australia – all underpinned by what Alma called a spirit of 'independence, integrity and land rights’.
Uncle Gilla McGuinness
Uncle Gilla McGuinness was a proud Gunditjmara Elder. He was a long-time broadcaster with 3CR Community Radio, presenting many programs over the years and inspiring Aboriginal controlled and community run radio stations all around the country. Uncle Gilla worked actively in the community in the areas of housing and prison justice.
Aunty Jan Chessells
Aunty Jan Chessells is a Kamilaroi Elder who grew up in rural NSW. Aunty Jan moved to Fitzroy as a young woman and trained as a nurse. She was welcomed into the community when she started working at the Fitzroy Aboriginal Health Service. Aunty Jan ran the Nindeebiya Workshop on George Street, a safe community space to practice arts & crafts and have a meal, that also supported men coming out of prison.
Story gatherer Nathan Atkinson interviewing Uncle Bootsie Thorpe at MAYSAR on Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Yalinguth Story Gatherers
Yalinguth trains and employs young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander story gatherers to interview, record, and edit stories from Elders, artists, and community. We partnered with Charcoal Lane (Mission Australia) to work with their trainees in the story gathering process, and storytellers are also invited to nominate a family member to record their individual story.
This involves grandchildren interviewing grandparents, nieces and nephews interviewing aunties and uncles, and young people meeting and engaging in learning from respected Elders. The result is a collection of strong, powerful and inspiring stories told by community, for community.
Story Gatherers
Ngár-go/Fitzroy
Nathan Atkinson, Trey Atkinson, Graham Braybon, Alex Cross, Will Davison, Wanika Ellis, Tobias Franks, Brett Gornall, Jess Hosking, Meriki Onus, Brandii Williams, Robert McGuinness, Kadisha Morgan, Hayden Morris, Joel Shackleton, Ray Thorpe, Stephen Thorpe, Sar Umi, Thomas Williams
Birrarung/Yarra River
Graham Braybon, Tameeka Braybon, Chenile Chandler, Robert McGuinness, Kellie Thorpe