Southern Fleurieu Coastal Action Plan: Traditional Owners and First Nations cultural statement
The Fleurieu coast is a place of deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance for Traditional Owners and tribal Aboriginal clans people. Extending from the Murray Mouth and the Coorong through Encounter Bay, the rugged southern coastline and cliffs of the Fleurieu Peninsula, sweeping beaches and headlands of the Fleurieu’s western side - this coastline forms part of an ancient landscape that has sustained and Aboriginal life and culture for thousands of years.
These land, sea and sky countries are woven together through language, creation and deep time dreaming - with places of spiritual and ceremonial practise. The cultural obligations to care for country and maintain identity and connection still exist today.
The Fleurieu region is of shared cultural significance to the Ramindjeri (part of the Ngarrindjeri Nation) and Kaurna Patpa Meyunna tribal clans people. Each group maintains distinct connections to particular language places, while also recognising stories that cross over country through cultural lore and protocol. Native Title has been a colonial law process that has determined parts of coastal country, though it is well understood as an area of overlapping cultural authority and connection.
The Ngurunderi story follows the journeys of the ancestral being Ngurunderi as he travelled down the River Murray, shaping the Lower Lakes, Coorong, Encounter Bay, islands and the southern seas.
The Tjilbruke Dreaming traces the path of the ancestor Tjilbruke from southern Patpa Meyunna Kaurna Country all the way north to Mudlangga (Outer Harbour – Mouth of the Port River). The story then travels back along the coast inland to Warriparringga (Marion) then to Tulukandagga - Kingston Park then all the way down south to Tunkalilla Beach and then to Nairne at Brukkungga, creating freshwater springs through the Dreaming Track songline.
These stories and songlines connect the Fleurieu to broader cultural landscapes across southern Australia, linking places, people and Country.
Along the coastline, many places, still hold their traditional names which reflect an unbroken connection to country and tribal traditions - every beach, reef, dune, cliff and estuary are part of a landscape that holds story of Country and its people.
Acknowledgement of Country and First Nations guidance
The Southern Fleurieu Coastal Action Plan acknowledges that all lands and waters of the region are Aboriginal lands and waters. It recognises and respects the continuing relationship of Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples with Country, and their knowledge, authority and custodianship that guide cultural and environmental care. The plan seeks to uphold these relationships through ongoing collaboration, respect and recognition of Aboriginal peoples as the first and continuing custodians of the Fleurieu coast.
Cultural engagement and input
The preparation of this plan has been informed by engagement with Aboriginal organisations, cultural advisors and community representatives. The Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board acknowledges and thanks the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, local Ramindjeri and Kaurna Meyunna Elders and local leaders for their guidance, cultural knowledge and continuing commitment to caring for Country. Their perspectives have shaped the understanding of place, values and priorities reflected throughout this plan.
All cultural concepts and content included in this plan and on this website are the Aboriginal Cultural and Intellectual property (ACIP) of the Ramindjeri people of the Ngarrindjeri Nation (provided by Cedric Varcoe, Ramindjeri Cultural Leader living on Country) (cells 1-20) and Karl Winda Telfer of the Mullawirra Meyunna (Kaurna Meyunna) (cells 20-27). They may not be used or adapted by any other parties without consent.
