Participants in the October 11 walk along the Manning River.

On Saturday 11 October and again on Saturday 25 October 2025, TUC supported by MidCoast Council, delivered two complimentary guided walks in Taree that wove together water, history and Biripi culture.

Biripi Elder Uncle Russell Saunders, and local historian Janine Roberts, guided participants on two cultural walking tours exploring the intertwined Biripi and European histories of the Manning River and Browns (Crooked) Creek.

Uncle Russ shared stories of life along the Manning River, including his father Horry Saunders’ longstanding fishing business and the barter system that once connected local families — fish for farm produce. The presence of a descendant from one of those original families made the story especially meaningful.

Participants viewed Aunty Ella Simon’s Certificate of Exemption, highlighting the discrimination Aboriginal people faced, and heard movingly of Aunty Marg, stolen from Karuah Mission and later reunited with family. Janine revealed the hidden creek beneath Fotheringham Park, children’s adventures in its tunnels, and Taree’s early colonial history, including the Wynter and Flett families.

Participants in the 25 October walk along Browns/Crooked Creek to Kanangra Reserve.

The second walk followed Browns/Crooked Creek to Kanangra Reserve. Uncle Russ talked of the Biripi families who once lived near the creek before being relocated to Purfleet Mission/Sunrise Station. He also shared traditional knowledge — the creek’s animals, plants used for nets and baskets, and the sandpaper fig tree that gave Taree its name.

Janine highlighted the region’s boatbuilding heritage, sharing stories of skilled craftsmen William Oscar Ryan and Hector Haden. The walk concluded with a tribute to Bill Dennis and the Friends of Browns/Crooked Creek for their restoration work since 2011.

Feedback highlighted a renewed sense of belonging, a deeper appreciation of the land’s layered narratives, and a stronger commitment to preserving Biripi stories for future generations. The events exemplify TUC’s purpose—to create learning and employment opportunities that enhance the vibrancy of the Mid Coast community—by fostering cultural connection, community cohesion and inter-generational dialogue.

We thank MidCoast Council for making these walks possible, and we look forward to continuing this journey of shared storytelling.