Hosted by Hanabeth Luke, the ‘Teal & Rust Tour’ headed to the Clarence Valley on Sunday April 24, a special place in Page, where the borders of all three Nations Yaegl, Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr meet. 

Ulmarra Food Co played host to an entertaining and moving afternoon in the courtyard with welcome to country by Aunty Robyne Bancroft and music from pianist Mandaway Dutton.

Manduway is a 29-year-old songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist based on the Coffs Coast, with family ties to Ulmarra and the Grafton-Yamba region. He combines his knowledge of Gumbaynggirr and Barkindji languages with modern instrumentation.

A panellist discussion including local experts, that was initially on regenerating our farms and rivers, turned to more personal and critical conversations considering our recent disaster.  

What prompted them to enter farming, women in farming, the fires, the floods, the impact, and devastating loss incurred, resilience, how the government has failed them, and ways government could better manage the recovery effort was discussed through personal, heartbreaking, but inspiring detail. 

This emotionally changed and tear-jerking hour discussion embodied our regions needs and communicated exactly what our farmers are going through in heart breaking detail and why Hanabeth is working so hard to take our community’s voice to Canberra. 

The event raised a substantial amount for the @givit.aus NSW Flood Appeal, and we thank those that donated. 

For more information visit hanabethluke.com.au/events