Urang-Urang Crossing at Moolyyir Creek

Urang-Urang are the pippi shells that are native to this beach. These have been a food source for the Butchulla people for thousands of years. 

As a child I used to be sent down to this beach with a bucket to collect the Urang-Urang by digging them up with my feet. My family would then make a lovely soup with them. 

This area, around the beaches, mangroves and mud flats are full of food sources for my people. 

A small shellfish lived on the branches of the mangroves, they were known as penny-winkles, the Butchulla word for them is `boppram’.  We would sometimes eat them on the beach by throwing them on the hot coals, or we could take them home for everyone to share. 

Another food that I fondly remember was bingu, a large flat shellfish, which we would collect on the mud flats that was like an oyster. Sadly, despite Butchulla people sustainably eating them for thousands of years, in the last few decades, like the sand crabs and the star fish, these are now all gone. 

Auntie Frances Gala
April 2015

This area around Moolyyir Creek is very significant for the Butchulla people. It is a traditional site for initiation, where several Bora Rings are present. It is a very sacred place for all of our people. 

Auntie Joyce Smith
April 2015

Above artwork by Joel Barney

It is a tidal creek with mangroves. The crossing was named by Butchulla elders, and a footbridge installed by Cr Seymour.