Connecting kin and Country: Gloucester’s Goori-Bugg Gathering Dungog Shire Gloucester District by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 26, 2025 Organising committee members Paula Mailing, Uncle John Heath, Tanya Morgan, Aunty Lynda Holden and Aunty Donna Kemp. Photo: supplied OVER a hundred descendants of James and Charlotte Bugg are set to gather in the Upper Hunter to celebrate their connection to Country. The Goori (Aboriginal) Bugg family gathering will be held at the Gloucester Showground between 28-30 March. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au According to the event organisers, this year is the Bicentenary of the arrest in Greater Horkesley, Essex, UK, of 23 years old James Bugg for stealing, then his gaoling and transportation to the colony of New South Wales as an English convict. “He arrived in Sydney in March 1826 and was assigned to the AACo which had just commenced its operations on Worimi Country at Tahlee, Port Stephens,” the event’s website states. Uncle John Heath told News Of The Area, “The three-day gathering will be a celebration of a remarkable dynasty that commenced amongst frontier hostilities on unceded Worimi and Birpai country and survived colonialism and the challenges of mixed race families in Australia, with many members making significant contributions in a number of fields, to help build a better Australia. “It will provide an opportunity to share our stories and learn from the experiences of other family members that may be quite different from our own.” Activities for gathering attendees will include basket and eel trap weaving, possum and kangaroo skin cloak making, men’s and women’s yarning circles, family tree mapping and tours of important local cultural and community sites. More information can be found on the Goori Bugg Gathering website. By Joshua GILBERT
