Giinagay, Jingi Walla.
Welcome to Grafton’s First Nations Story Trail.
On this trail, Aunties Jo Randall, Geraldine Lewis, Maxine Hegedus, and Gloria Strachan, get together to reflect and reminisce about growing up in Grafton through stories and poetry.
Coming from a long line of culturally and socially strong Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr families like the Daleys, Taylors, Gordons, Mundines and Robertsons, the Aunties share what life was like for young Aboriginal women on Country, through the lens of times and places also familiar with many in the wider Grafton community.
From bean-picking to the best chocolate cake in town, the Jacaranda Festival and Grafton Show; Langley’s Cafe to Dirty Dot’s; the Aunties invite you along for the ride and a yarn as they share the experiences that made them who they are today.
First Nations Story Trail
Story 1: Memories of Growing Up in Grafton
A Poem by Aunty Jo Randall.
Sticker Location: 45 Prince Street
Aunty Jo Randall is a Bundjalung and Gumbaynggirr woman who grew up in Grafton. Storytelling and poetry run in the Daley family and Jo’s poem takes us on a journey down memory lane. We learn about her bean-picking days, her involvement in Jacaranda, her career and how she gives back to the community. She even has a special message for you.
For more insight into the inspiration for the poem, listen to Behind The Poem – Aunty Jo & Bek Have a Yarn.
Story 2: Do you remember Langley’s Café?
Sticker Location: 86 Prince Street
This story is a conversation between four Aunties – Aunty Jo Randall, Aunty Geraldine Lewis, Aunty Maxine Hegedus and Aunty Gloria Strachan.
Aunty Geraldine Lewis is part of the famous Daley family. She is the niece of Aunty Jo Randall, with her Father Gerry Daley being Jo’s older brother. Aunty Maxine Hegedus is part of the Taylor family and has connections to both Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung communities. Her mother was born in Coraki and her father in Eungai.
Aunty Gloria Strachan was born a Gordon and is connected to a lot of local families such as the Gordons, Mundines and Robertsons. This litle yarn takes us back to a bygone era, the best treats in town and Langley’s indescribable chocolate cake.
The First Nations Story Trail is part of Clarence Valley Council’s program, Rediscover Grafton, which is fully funded by NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program.
To learn more, visit https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Rediscover-Grafton
Story 3: Memories of Jacaranda
Location: Market Square
In this yarn, Aunty Jo and Aunty Geraldine reminisce about the Jacaranda Festival and how it has changed over the years.
The First Nations Story Trail is part of Clarence Valley Council’s program, Rediscover Grafton, which is fully funded by NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program.
To learn more, visit https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Rediscover-Grafton
Story 4: The Local Haunt: Dirty Dots.
Sticker Location: 107 Prince Street
Dirty Dots was a local haunt for many young people. Aunty Jo Randall, Aunty Maxine Hegedus and Aunty Gloria Strachan reflect on their memories of hanging out at “Dirty Dots”.
The First Nations Story Trail is part of Clarence Valley Council’s program, Rediscover Grafton, which is fully funded by NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program.
To learn more, visit https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Rediscover-Grafton
Story 5: Memories of Going to the Show
Location: 135A Prince Street
Aunty Jo Randall and Aunty Geraldine Lewis get nostalgic about going to the show with their families. This yarn reminisces about the old family photographs, catching up with all of your family and watching the woodchopping and boxing competitions.
The First Nations Story Trail is part of Clarence Valley Council’s program, Rediscover Grafton, which is fully funded by NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program.
To learn more, visit https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Rediscover-Grafton
Photo credit: Simon Hughes
The First Nations Story Trail is part of Clarence Valley Council’s program, Rediscover Grafton, which is fully funded by NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program.
To learn more, visit https://www.clarence.nsw.gov.au/Projects/Rediscover-Grafton
