The walk along the Nhunta Karra Kara track in the Goonoowigall Reserve was opened in June 2005, a project of the Inverell Reconciliation Group.

The plaques along the track record the places where Aboriginal families lived from the 1940’s until the mid 1960's when they were allowed to move into town.

This walk, with an Aboriginal family member as a guide, takes you through the “living history” of this area.

 

NHUNTA KARRA KARA TRACK Discussions for the track commenced in mid-2002 between members of the Inverell Reconciliation Group and local Indigenous families to establish the Nhunta Karra Kara Track. This would be a signed walking track linking sites within an Aboriginal settlement which existed between 1940s until mid 1960s in the Goonoowigall Bushland, on the southern outskirts of Inverell, near the golf course on the Tingha Road. We approached stakeholders including the Goonowigall Bushland Reserve Trust, Inverell Shire Council, Inverell Tourism, local Elders, National Parks & Wildlife Service and individual community representatives. After the Aboriginal families left, the area was used as a rubbish dump. Therefore, it was planned to restore this area to its natural state. We then applied for funds from the Environmental Trust and secured a grant of $18,000. Best Employment contributed $9,000 for supervision of six Indigenous work-for-the-dole workers. Members of the Reconciliation Group committed their time and voluntary efforts over the next two years which was estimated at $5200 in-kind. After the track was completed, Aboriginal members of the Reconciliation Group established a register of plants which had medicinal and bush tucker significance. Further research was undertaken to record family oral histories. Designated sites for signage were then established and a map was drawn with the assistance of Goonoowigall Bushland Reserve Trust indicating significant sites. Photographs of key flora were obtained from GBR Trust members. Oral history and photographic evidence of the occupation of these sites were then recorded for inclusion on the signage and sent to Miller Metal Imaging at Byron Bay for manufacture. With the assistance of local historian Elizabeth Wiedemann, graphic artist John McGregor and members of the local Bruderhof community, a large information board was erected at the entrance to the track. The project concluded with a successful opening ceremony attended by Colin Markham, NSW Ambassador for Reconciliation on Sunday 12th June. Over 120 supporters were in attendance, including many descendants of the gully families who had travelled from Sydney, Brisbane and places in between for the occasion.

Inverell Reconciliation Group
The Inverell Reconciliation Group was formed in Inverell in 2000. It seeks to advance the reconciliation process between local Indigenous and Non-Indigenous community members. Under the inspirational leadership of Rosemary Breen, this small group has lobbied local government and business houses to take on Aboriginal employees; supported NAIDOC Week celebrations in town; brought guest speakers to town to promote reconciliation as well as supporting the Myall Creek Memorial near Bingara.  The main work of the committee thus far has been the successful completion of the Nhunta Karra Kara Track.