Told by aboriginal elder of the Darkinjung tribe, Kevin "Gabby" Duncan. The whale artwork is also done by Kevin Duncan
Baiyami, and Gyian the Whale
Creation Dreamtime story of the Darkinjung, Gamilaroi Nations, Australia
Before the Earth was born the Mirrabooka (the milkyway) flowed across the night skyworld. Yarrai the sunman was still asleep along with Gilli the moonwoman. Baiyami lived in the far corner of the Mirrabooka along with Yhi, our Mother. The Earth was yet to be born. It lay still and silent in darkness, a lifeless ball. Baiyami's world existed as a pure state of spirituality where all the creatures and plants were born in the Morning Star, the star of life and soul. Amongst all the creatures of creation was Gyian the whale, Baiyami's favourite. Bayami spoke of his new creation. A promise of a new world in the Mirrabooka where Gyian could live along with all creatures in harmony. Gyian would spread the kinship system among all creatures. It was a new Dreaming.
Baiyami prepared for his journey. He prepared his canoe and took Bundar the kangaroo and Gyian the whale. They travelled the Mirrabooka in Baiyami's canoe until they reached the new world which was covered in darkness. As Baiyami descended upon the empty land he crushed the mountain of Yango. Suddenly a light appeared in the eastern sky. It was the birth of the Morning Star, the first light. Plants began to awaken along with strange creatures who slept in the darkness. Baiyami awoke Gurria, the great Serpent, who appeared in rainbow colours. He began to move across the lands releasing the waters within to fill the waterholes, rivers, oceans and billabongs. The spirit of Bundar the kangaroo was released to the lands. Gyian was in awe of Baiyami's creation. Baiyami's roaring voice of thunder echoed across the Mirrabooka.
A warm glow appeared on the horizon. It was Yarrai the sunman. During the evening another soft light appeared on the horizon. It was Gilli the moonwoman. Baiyami welcomed them to the new world. The new world was born then Baiyami said to Gyian, "This will be your Dreaming place. You shall reign over these lands and waters, my friend. Your kin will forever live in these sacred realms on Earth. Go and give what I have given to you, the kinship of life. Gyian went into the lands taking with him the spirit of Baiyami.
Baiyami ascended back to the Mirrabooka. During the dreamtime period Gyian intermingled with other creatures , passing on the Laws of Baiyami. He later changed form from a bird of the land to live as he does today in the ocean as a whale. This was the birth of Gyian on Earth.
Darkinjung Nation
Kevin Duncan, a Kamilaroi Aboriginal artist from the NSW Central Coast, has designed artwork to promote the identity of Umulliko. A pathway surrounded by the Rainbow Serpent (representing Umulliko) sits near the whale, the Central Coast and Darkinjung nation focus of the Umulliko's logo.
The whale plays a significant role in traditional Awabakal life. The whale is a traveler, moving along the east coast of Australia each year on its annual migration. Its prominence in local traditional life is reflected in story, song and local rock art. Beached whales were the reason for large feasts with local Aboriginal nations invited to share the bounty.
In a reflection of the past, the whale has and continues to touch many Aboriginal groups on the coastal regions of this country. This is significant in the present day as Newcastle is the home to many different Indigenous peoples from all regions of Australia. As in the past, the whale does not belong to one particular group; it encompasses all. This is reflected through Umulliko's philosophy. The sun is the giver of life and accompanies the whale.
