Jerrinja facts for kids

The Jerrinja are an Aboriginal Australian people. They come from the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Their traditional lands stretch from the Crooked River in the north to the Clyde River in the south. These lands go from the coast, including Roseby Park, to the mountains near Braidwood, New South Wales. This area also includes parts of Shoalhaven, like Jervis Bay, Culburra Beach, Orient Point, Greenwell Point, and Shoalhaven Heads.

A Brief History of the Jerrinja People

The Jerrinja people today are descendants of those who lived at the Roseby Park Aboriginal Reserve. This reserve was a place where Aboriginal people gathered, or were brought together, around the early 1900s.

Gaining Land Rights

A very important event happened in 1983. The New South Wales government passed a law called the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. Because of this law, the ownership of Roseby Park was given to the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council. This was a big step in recognizing Aboriginal land ownership.

Many Jerrinja people have worked hard for over fifty years to gain Aboriginal Land Rights. The former Roseby Park "mission" at Orient Point was later renamed the Jerrinja Aboriginal Community. This community is located in the central-east part of their traditional country.

Connection to Country

The Jerrinja are known as "salt-water" people because they live by the coast. They have always had a very strong connection to their traditional lands and waters. This connection is a key part of their culture and identity.

Important Places in Jerrinja Country

There are several places within Jerrinja country that are very important culturally. These include Mount Coolangatta, also known as Cullunghutti. Other significant places are Lake Wollumboola and Beecroft Peninsula. These sites hold deep meaning and history for the Jerrinja people.