Kamilaroi
The Kamilaroi nation is one of the largest indigenous nations in Australia, stretching over a vast 50 000 kms from as far as the Hunter Valley in NSW through to Nindigully in QLD, as far west as the Warrumbungle Mountains near Coonabarabran in NSW and sweeping across the Liverpool Plains. The nation was comprised of a number of family tribes which all co-existed on sub divided lands, with artefacts and knowledge shared between the respective families and a symbiotic nature existing between all. They spoke Gamilaraay, a language almost lost but which endured the deprivation of colonisation and is still practiced today. The name Gamilaraay consists of two parts: gamil meaning 'no' and araay meaning 'having', that is 'the people who have gamil for no'. This method of naming people after their word for 'no' is widespread throughout New South Wales and Victoria; for example, the western neighbours of the Gamilaraay, the Yuwaalaraay, say waal for 'no'.
The Kamilaroi Peoples
Tribes people of the Kamilaroi nation were hunter and gatherers, with distinct male and female roles evident within their day to day lives. Men of the Kamilaroi nation were hunters, collectors of fish and in charge of the overall preparation of food. Hunting an array of animals for their family and extended families such kangaroos, emus, iguanas, possums, echidnas and bandicoots, fish, crayfish, muscles and shrimp. Kamilaroi women managed the role of cooks and gatherers of vegetables such as root vegetables. They also undertook the vital duties of raising the children, teaching them stories of the Dreaming and recounting songs and dance.
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The Kamilaroi nation observes spiritual connections through a greater being names Baiame. The All Father of the Kamilaroi nation is of great significance and is observed as a supernatural ancestor who was the creator of earth who sent spirits to align valleys. It was Baiame's laws with which the Aboriginal tribes people observed for thousands of years, which remained unchanged until colonisation.
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Songs, dance and customary traditions are said to have come from the lores and rites of Baiame. The Bora initiation site for the transition of boy to man, is said to be first crafted by Baiame. Once all creation had been completed on earth, Baiame returned to the sky and now looks over the Kamilaroi tribes people as an observer.
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What Kamilaroi
Means to Us
Growing up in one of the Kamilaroi nation centres, Gunnedah, Kamilaroi Fuels' owners, Dean Wharton and Michael Nicholls have strong personal and generational ties with the local community, with Dean himself being a Kamilaroi man as a descendant from the Gunn-e-darr peoples. Dean and Michael spent their formative years on Kamilaroi land as active members of the community, attending the local high school and representing the local sports teams. Dean also spent a significant portion of his adult life in Gunnedah, marrying his wife and raising his sons all on Kamilaroi land.
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Jake Wharton, Dean's youngest son created the incredible artwork, 'Connection to Rivers & Animals', that has become the face of our brand. The arrows represent emu tracks and the symbol in the middle represents running water inspired by the rivers and animals of home, Gunnedah.
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Giving back to the community that fostered your education, upbringing and influenced your central character is an incredible privilege and we are proud to have the opportunity to support the Kamilaroi and Gunnedah communities through Kamilaroi Fuels.
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Our starting aim is for 30% of Kamilaroi Fuels' profits to go back to the Kamilaroi community. Transparency is important to us so watch this space for updates.
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