“The Aboriginal name for Mt Keira is Djeera. It’s a significant women’s mountain, where ceremonies were held. Geera is linked to a local dreaming story, and she is the sister to the five sisters (the islands) off Hill 60.”

This is one of the many wonderful stories about Dharawal Country shared at a new tourism attraction at the Southern Gateway Visitor Information Centre at Bulli Tops.

Initiated by Destination Wollongong and the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation, the Dharawal Country Experience includes a panoramic photo showcasing Aboriginal places and names; student artworks; fun facts for children; and nine screens showing a film of Dharawal Elders telling stories of Dharawal Country that was commissioned by Wollongong Council, as well as videos from the former Jumbulla Aboriginal Interpretive Centre.

Julie-Anne Francis, Visitor Services Manager at Destination Wollongong, kindly took time to tell us more about the experience.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a proud Aboriginal woman from the Bundjalung and Gunditjmara clans. I have two sons and moved to the Illawarra from the Sutherland Shire in 2006. I have been with Destination Wollongong for 11 years, managing the Visitor Information Centre.

What inspired you to set up the exhibition?

Destination Wollongong started their Reconciliation Action Plan journey in 2019. We collaborated with the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation to initiate this new tourism product.

We recognised our unique location at the Southern Gateway Centre and the importance of reviving a learning platform like the Cultural Centre that existed here in 2009 (Jumbulla), telling the beautiful stories of people and places that make Dharawal Country.

How does visiting an exhibition like this help promote reconciliation?

Reconciliation is about strengthening connections between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples through stories and language. The stories in our video presentations are about cultural significance, importance of the fauna and flora, and our connection to this land.

We hope visitors learn the spiritual connection Aboriginal people have to this land, our belonging, obligation and responsibility to care for this land, so that we can all move forward with acceptance and equality.

What do you hope visitors will take away from the experience?

A small insight into my people’s culture, Aboriginal culture, and an understanding of some of our historical struggles, the beauty in the land through song, story and language.

My hope is that visitors share their beautiful exchange with family, friends and colleagues, and this ignites their passion to learn more about the First Peoples of this land. If just one person shares their experience, learns to say “Hello” in Dharawal, then my job is done!

What else can visitors do at Bulli Tops?

Our Visitor Information Centre has plenty of information to help plan your next holiday, and souvenirs, including artworks from local Aboriginal artists.

The centre also boasts the Gelato Emporium and restaurant Altitude1148 so visitors and locals can enjoy lunch/ dinner whilst enjoying 180-degree ocean views over the Illawarra.

The Southern Gateway Visitor Information Centre (M1 Princes Motorway, Bulli Tops) is open seven days a week excluding Christmas day. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am -3pm, 02 4267 5910, visitwollongong.com.au