New riverfront walk highlights First Nations voices and history in the region

FIRST Nations history and storytelling along the Richmond River have been brought to life with Ballina Shire Council rolling out an audio-assisted walk supported by new signage.

The water stories and soundtrail project explores themes including connection to the river, culture and way of life of the local Nyangbal families.

Council and its tourism team said the soundtrail shines a light on local history and would enhance the visitor experience over the summer holidays.

“This project brings to life our riverfront and shares stories that help people understand more about Ballina’s history,” mayor Sharon Cadwallader said.

“The signage and soundtrail help people understand more about the places they’re walking through, whether they’re locals or visitors.”

The soundtrail guides listeners from the Marine Rescue Tower to Pioneer Park in East Ballina, with stories and cultural knowledge shared by Nyangbal leaders Marcus Ferguson, the late Uncle Ricky Cook, Aunty Sandra Bolt and Uncle Graham Marlowe.

Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council chairperson Kylie Jacky said the project marked an important moment in local storytelling.

 

“The soundtrail project is the first time the Ballina Shire will hear all the voices of our shared history that makes Ballina what it is today,” Ms Jacky said.

“Importantly, we will hear truth telling from our Nyangbal cultural knowledge holders, who are the voices of Country.”

Visitors can download the soundtrails app, which uses location settings to automatically play stories as users move through designated storytelling zones.

Destination and Economy coordinator Alanah Ward said the combined upgrades strengthened Ballina’s cultural and visitor offering.

“Visitors increasingly seek authentic, place-based experiences,” she said.

“water stories and the soundtrail provide a chance to learn through storytelling, landscape immersion and cultural knowledge.

“It also aligns strongly with state and regional visitor economy strategies calling for more meaningful, experience-led tourism.”

The project was funded by the state government’s Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Arts and Cultural Assets Program.

It supports the rebuild of arts and cultural infrastructure following the 2022 floods, including repairs to the Aboriginal Cultural Ways nodes in East Ballina.