Paddling for Mudyala

We are Matt and Amy, two very enthusiastic ocean lovers attempting a 500km paddle from Yamba to Newcastle along the NSW coast over the next month or so.

As neither of us likes a whole lot of attention though, we figured why not redirect it to an awesome cause!

So we got put in touch with MUDYALA.

Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation is an Aboriginal owned and run not-for-profit organisation that aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the Northern NSW Clarence Valley region.

They support young people and their families to connect and engage with education in a comfortable and culturally appropriate manner.

Started by the 29yo local, Aneika Kapeen in 2019, they have run several projects and programs assisting children and youths, uplifting and building cultural pride through sharing stories, art and dance.

Many more projects and programs are ongoing and upcoming which will need continual funding, such as the 'Strong Women's Healing' Initiative in which Mudyala hopes to run gatherings and healing circles focussing on the identified need for women to learn to heal and come to terms with the loss of a child and children in a cultural but therapeutic way.

If you would like to learn more about them, head over to https://mudyala.org.au/ to check out all the amazing things they're doing in the community!

We would love for you to donate, share or spread the word. Also feel free to come along on our journey @kayakwhisperers on Instagram and give @mudyala a follow too!

We would also like to acknowledge the original and traditional custodians of the land and waters that we will travel on, starting in Yaegl country and passing through Gumbainggir, Dainggatti, Biripi, Worimi and Awabakal. We'd like to honour and pay respect to their elders, past, present and emerging and also acknowledge the current Aboriginal community and their ongoing connection to Land, Waters and Culture.

Lots of Love,

Matt and Amy