Mel George, Executive Director for Bula’bula Arts
What is your relationship with Outback Spirit?
I’m the Executive Director for Bula’bula Arts which represents the Ramingining community, and we are a locally owned and locally governed arts centre focused on preserving and fostering the Yolngu culture and its role within the community.
We have a very strong relationship with Outback Spirit – one of respect and authenticity. Outback Spirit provides genuine experiences and interactions with Yolngu people, and guests have opportunities to talk and engage with locals who are open and willing to share their extraordinary 60 thousand year living culture.
How long have you been working with Outback Spirit?
We have been working with Outback Spirit since they started doing tours in Arnhem land in 2016 Arnhem Land is a very difficult place to access, however, Outback Spirit has managed to provide a truly incredible way to see this extraordinary country.
The tours are amazing. We get 24 Outback Spirit guests here at Bula’bula every two days and they leave feeling happier because they’ve been able to experience a true living ancient culture, one that has been well preserved and passed down for generations.
What do you hope guests of Outback Spirit take away from this experience?
I want them to experience the immense generosity of the Yolngu people, and come to understand that they are very proud and strong; for guests to see what fun, amazing, and positive people the Yolngu are, and have surprising interactions that will leave them changed and inspired.
When you’re not at work, where can we find you and/or what can we find you doing?
You can find me out on the water fishing or out hunting with locals who generously share their knowledge of bush foods and traditions.
What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?
It’s a really positive way to celebrate what is unique about the country of Australia by celebrating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We should be exceptionally proud of Australia’s first nation’s people, and NAIDOC week is a great way to celebrate them.
Lance Butler
What is your relationship with Outback Spirit Tours (OST)?
I have been running Barramundi Fishing Tours and Nature Tours for Outback Spirit for a number of years, across a range of different camps, Barra Lodge, Seven Spirit Bay and now at Murwangi. My younger brother is also a Fishing Guide with the company.
How long have you been working with OST?
I was there for the very first Arnhem Land Tour in 2016, I was a Fishing Guide at Barra Lodge at the time, and I’ve never left.
What do you love about working at Murwangi?
The wildlife is incredible. In such a small area you can encounter such a vast array of wild animals without even leaving the lodge. Then, once you get on the water you see different species of birds and two types of Crocodiles in the one area, it’s unbelievable. We really are living in their backyard; we are only visitors.
When you’re not at work, where can we find you and/or what can we find you doing?
Fishing! You will find me at home in Far North Qld, making and designing my own range of lures and spending time with my family.
What does NAIDOC Week mean to you?
NAIDOC is close to my heart being Aboriginal and being an ambassador to my people. I am also an OPAL Fuel ambassador for the Northern Territory and QLD.