My dearest babiinbal – my Pop,

As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with love, pride and gratitude for everything you have done for our family, our community and our culture. Your lifetime of work dedicated to reclaiming and reviving our Wiradyuri language is nothing short of extraordinary and I want you to know just how proud I am to be your granddaughter. 

As a young girl, I have been inspired by your unwavering commitment to your people. Your lifetime of passion and dedication to reclaiming and reviving our Wiradyuri language and culture has been a guiding light for all of us. You have dedicated your life to making sure our language and culture remains strong and your efforts have left a legacy that we can’t measure. The revival and reclamation of our language and the pride it has instilled in our people is a testament to your hard work and dedication.

Your love, care and support have been the foundation on which I have built my own journey. You have always been there for me, teaching me and encouraging me to embrace our cultural ways and take pride in my identity as a strong and proud Wiradyuri woman. All of your stories, teachings and guidance have shaped who I am today. I am grateful beyond words for the path you have paved for me and for many others whose lives you have touched throughout your life.

Continuing your legacy is a responsibility I will always hold close to my heart. To continue to pass on the knowledge and culture you have taught me throughout my life is a special gift. I am committed to making sure that the important and vital work you have done throughout your life, alongside your older brother and sisters, Uncle Cecil, Aunty Flo and Aunty Elaine for our Wiradyuri people, continues to be passed down to future generations. Your life's work is a testament to the resilience and strength of our people and our elders.

I have been honoured to share our family’s story and the journey of Wiradyuri language reclamation, through the podcast Ngiyang. Through this platform, I can tell the story about your incredible lifetime of work and the significance of our language in preserving our cultural identity and how this enriches our lives as Wiradyuri people.

Ngiyang is not just a podcast, it is a tribute and a celebration of our Wiradyuri language and culture. It is my way to honour your legacy and to ensure this work continues to inspire and educate people.

Your influence extends beyond the boundaries of our family and community. The ripple effect of your lifetime of work and dedication has touched the hearts of many. You have given us a special gift that transcends generations, a gift that will continue to be passed on for years to come.

Pop, you are a beacon of hope and strength for all of us. Your life’s work is a reminder that as people we can make a profound difference for the next generation. I am grateful for your love, your teachings and your unwavering dedication. As I continue to give our people a platform and a voice to tell out stories, I will always carry you with me, knowing that we are ensuring the legacy of the Wiradyuri language and culture stays strong. 

Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do Pop. I love you dearly and am forever proud to be your granddaughter.

Listen to the Ngiyang podcast here