HISTORY
Origins and Vision
In 1994, through his work with Corrective Services NSW and Aboriginal offenders, Victor Wright formed a vision for a place of cultural healing as an alternative to gaol.
Recommendation 187 of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody provided the underlying purpose for pursuing this vision.
Research and Community Support
The land application process involved six years of historical and cultural research led by Tammy Wright and Louise Campbell across the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions. The application also secured support from peak Aboriginal organisations and Local Aboriginal Land Councils within those boundaries.
At the time of the 1996 land acquisition application, aside from the Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Koompahtoo (now Biraban), Batabah, Darkinjung and Awabakal there were no known traditional owner groups, with the exception of the Wonarauh Traditional Owners.
Land Acquisition and Transfer
Through the tireless efforts and vision of Victor and Tammy Wright and Louise
Campbell, the property “Kywong” was purchased by the Indigenous Land
Corporation in 2002 on behalf of Yulawirri Nurai Indigenous Association, now known as Yula-Punaal Education and Healing Aboriginal Corporation. The property was divested to Yula-Punaal in 2013, and the organisation now trades as the Yula-Punaal Centre.
