Dambeemangaddee families return to Umbagaramba / Balanyoo to celebrate partnership 

Dambeemangaddee Traditional Owners and their families today, Wednesday 30 September, returned to Umbagaramba / Balanyoo (Cockatoo Island) for a really special celebration recognising Country, culture and the growing partnership between Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation (DAC) and Crestlink. 

Cockatoo Island, also known as Umbagaramba / Balanyoo is part of Oomeday country. Oomeday is the country that takes in coastal areas on the northeastern side of the Yampi Peninsula and islands in Yampi Sound.

According to Lalai this island is linked to Godanoo (Koolan) and Wanganiyn (Irvine) Islands by the activities and presence of the Woongudd (snake). The Woongudd was called Garaan-ngarinyin, which is the name that comes from the place Garaan-ngaddim (Horizontal Falls).

Travelling and creating Oomeday country including the three islands and Garaan-ngaddim, as well as the numerous bays and reefs, the Woongudd left part of her body along the way.

DAC Chair Gary Umbagai said creating opportunities for families to return to Country was an important part of the Corporation’s work. 

“For us, getting back on Country is what is important. Our old people were connected to these islands and looked after Country, and we want our younger ones and our families to have that same connection. 

“Being together here at Umbagaramba / Balanyoo, sharing culture and bringing our families back here, is what makes this celebration so important. 

“We want our young people to know their Country and to see a future for themselves here – looking after and working on Country and building their own businesses here.”

The celebration also marks an important milestone in the relationship between DAC and Crestlink, which executed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) in 2024. 

The ILUA established a framework for Crestlink and DAC to work together, forming the foundation of a relationship that has continued to grow. 

In 2026, this was further strengthened through Crestlink’s involvement in the future of Koolan Island, creating further opportunities for DAC to play a strong role in decisions and opportunities across both islands. 

Koolan Island – a new chapter for our Country and our people 

Crestlink CEO and Co-Founder Eanna Doolin said the celebration recognised the significance of the ILUA and the partnership that DAC and Crestlink have built together. 

“The ILUA was an important foundation for our relationship with Dambimangari, and we are proud of the partnership we have continued to build with DAC and Dambeemangaddee people since it was executed. 

“Our commitment is to work cooperatively with Traditional Owners and ensure Dambeemangaddee people have a meaningful role in the future of Umbagaramba / Balanyoo. 

“This celebration is an opportunity to recognise how far that relationship has come, but importantly to do that here on Country with Dambeemangaddee people and their families. We look forward to continuing to build on this partnership and what we can achieve together.” 

Mr Umbagai said the partnership was also about creating opportunities for Dambeemangaddee people on their Country. 

“Through partnerships like this, we can show our people the opportunities that are here on our Country – to work, look after, build businesses and create opportunities for our young people and future generations. 

“That is what we want to build from here: a strong future for our people on our own Country,” Mr Umbagai said.