On behalf of my Djukun Elders, I took on a mission that was close to our hearts: to help protect Billingooroo, a sacred site on Djukun Country, by advocating to permanently close Cable Beach (North) in Broome to vehicles. This iconic beach known to the Djukun people as Billingooroo, is not only a place of breathtaking beauty but also a site of deep cultural significance and ecological importance. For the Djukun, Billingooroo is a sacred site, and it is where the Goolibel—turtles in the Djukun language—come to lay their eggs.

At 82 years old, Hassan Fabian Bin Nasir from the Minyirr Djukun Clan stands as a living testament to resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of the Djukun Nation. As the oldest living Djukun descendant, Fabian is at the forefront of a remarkable mission to revive the Djukun language—a sleeping language that he is determined to awaken. His dedication to this cause is as personal as it is cultural, rooted in a lifetime of experiences that have shaped his commitment to preserving his heritage.

This story unfolds in the remote coastal town of Broome, Western Australia, known to the Djukun Traditional Owners as Jirr'ngin-ngan. The town has become a focal point of the continuing struggle for Indigenous rights. A petition was initiated by the Djukun people to protect Billingooroo. However, this call to action has exposed the deep-seated racism that exists within the community.

Cable Beach, with its stunning sunsets and pristine sands, is a world-renowned destination that draws thousands of visitors to Broome each year. However, what many may not realise is that this iconic beach, known to the Djukun people as Billingooroo, is not only a place of breathtaking beauty but also a site of deep cultural significance and ecological importance. For the Djukun, Billingooroo is a sacred site, and it is where the Goolibel—turtles in the Djukun language—come to lay their eggs. 

The Kimberley region, known for its stunning landscapes and deep cultural significance, is under threat from fracking. Yisah Bin Omar, a Djukun woman, is supporting the Frack Free Kimberley campaign to protect this precious and unique environment. In an interview, she shared her perspective on the importance of the Kimberley, the dangers of climate change, and the urgent need to ban fracking in Western Australia.

During NAIDOC Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the rich culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, I had the opportunity to interview Samantha Wyborn, an inspiring Aboriginal artist. This year’s theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, loud and proud,’ resonates deeply with Samantha, who balances her full-time role at Main Roads WA as an Aboriginal Stakeholder Engagement Advisor with her art business.

When I was a child, dad said to us, “use your nilabub.” Nilabub is the Djukun word for ear. We were stubborn children, and his words of wisdom stood the test of time. He taught me how to properly use my nilabub - to listen with intent.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ndaba Mandela the Grandson of Nelson Mandela. We had an important and meaningful dialogue about community, collective resilience, self-determination, solidarity and the power of the of the people to bring about change. He had some inspiring words for the Djukun Nation. He was eager to learn about Djukun Nation and we had a short exchange in the Djukun Language. Ndaba encouraged the Djukun Nation to unite and to support each other in our language revitalisation, reclamation of our culture and our identity. 

Mary Ozies, a Djukun woman of unwavering determination and resilience, sat comfortably in the studio of ABC Radio, ready to share her remarkable journey with the world. The host Vanessa Mills, with a warm smile, introduced Mary as a mental health advocate, mother, educator, and a person whose life was a tapestry of diverse experiences.

I am writing on behalf of the Djukun Nation to vehemently object to the proposed extension of the Broome Wharf. Our objection is deeply rooted in the ancestral knowledge and ancient history that the proposed area holds. It is not merely reef and sea; it is a direct link to the cultural heritage and history of the Djukun Nation.

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Djukun Nation's ambitious project to revitalise our language. With the goal of reviving 50 fundamental words, this initiative marks a significant step in the preservation and celebration of our cultural heritage.

In an enlightening conversation on ABC Kimberley's breakfast program, hosted by Vanessa Mills on 9th February 2024, I shared my passionate journey towards revitalizing the Djukun language. I'm a Djukun woman from Broome, I have been dedicating all my spare time, alongside pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Queensland, to breathe life into a language that whispers the echoes of my ancestry.

We are excited to share an inspiring milestone in the journey of the Djukun Nation, a testament to the resilience and spirit of our community. With the unwavering support of our Djukun Elders and Djukun members, we have embarked on a remarkable project to awaken our sleeping language from a century-old slumber.

As a Djukun Nation representative I have a concern that has resonated deeply within the Djukun Nation community regarding the upcoming Rubibi Yarning event scheduled for 12th April 2024, hosted by Nyamba Buru Yawuru (NBY) in collaboration with the Centre for Stories.