About the Bunbury District
The Bunbury region is traditionally Noongar country. The majority of families proudly retain their Noongar heritage although the impact of European encroachment and Aboriginal depopulation, through past government practices of "relocating" Indigenous families, has caused traditional Aboriginal culture and social organization in the south west to change considerably.
Teachers new to the Bunbury District need to be aware that they may also be teaching students who are of other Indigenous heritage groups. A diverse group of Indigenous peoples are represented in the area eg Nurrunga (SA), Kuarna (SA), Wiradjuri (NSW), Wongi (WA) and Yamaji (WA).
Please note: Due to the diversity of the Indigenous family groups in the Bunbury District, it is highly recommended that teachers utilize the expert local knowledge of their school's AIEO or members of the Aboriginal Education Team when first inquiring on local issues.
Traditionally Noongar people lived and traveled the South-West, finding seasonal foods such as fish, crabs, kangaroo, wallaby, ducks and a variety of wild vegetables. The land was allocated to each family group, which relied on its natural resources for survival. Traditional land system was based on rights of responsibility, access, use and rights of privilege. These travel routes are still widely used today as modern day roads trace similar routes to the original tracks.
Bunbury was a major gathering place for Noongar people. The water around Bunbury, particular the rivers flowing into the Leschenault Estuary, brought families from the hills to one sea point. The Tindale Tribal Boundaries map published by the Aboriginal Affairs Department 1995 places the Bunbury area on the boundary of the Pindjarup territory to the north and Wadandi people's territory to the south. The Bunbury Education District also encompasses parts of Kaneang territory to the east.