Yurruungga (yur-roong-gah)
About Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation
Connecting culture, community, and Country on Gumbaynggirr lands. We walk together, caring for the oldest continuous culture on Earth.
Our Story
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation was born from a simple truth: our community is strongest when we walk together. Founded by Gumbaynggirr people, for Gumbaynggirr people, we carry forward the wisdom of our Elders while creating pathways for future generations.
Our name, Yurruungga, speaks to the heart of who we are. On this Country—the Gumbaynggirr lands stretching from the Nambucca River to the Clarence, from the Great Dividing Range to the sea—we work to strengthen culture, support community, and care for Country.
Through cultural services, land management, and community programs, we blend the oldest continuous culture on Earth with contemporary ways of doing business. We believe that when you support Indigenous-led organisations, you’re investing in communities that have cared for this land for over 65,000 years.
Our Mission
To empower the Gumbaynggirr community through cultural preservation, land stewardship, and sustainable programs that honour our ancestors while creating opportunities for our children and their children. We walk two worlds—holding tight to our culture while building bridges that benefit all Australians.
We strive to blend the oldest continuous culture on Earth with contemporary ways of doing business. Our work is about more than services—it’s about keeping culture strong, supporting our mob, and showing Australia what Indigenous-led excellence looks like.
Our Journey
From 2015 to today, the work we've shared on Gumbaynggirr Country.
Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation Founded
YAC established to serve the Gumbaynggirr community, with a vision of cultural preservation and community empowerment.
Beginning of a new chapter for community self-determination
Indigenous Protected Area Partnership
Formal partnership established for land management across Gumbaynggirr Country, strengthening our commitment to caring for Country.
Cultural Services Program Launch
Expanded our offerings with Welcome to Country ceremonies, cultural awareness training, and education programs.
Community Hub Established
Opened our community gathering space in Nambucca Heads, providing a place for mob to connect and access services.
Mob Supporting Mob Initiative
Launched directory connecting community with Indigenous businesses, artists, and service providers across the region.
Digital Transformation
New website and digital services launched, making it easier for community and partners to connect with YAC.
Our Team
Meet the people working to strengthen culture, support community, and care for Country.
Dean Kelly
Chief Executive Officer
Dean Thomas Kelly is a proud Gumbaynggirr custodian and descendant of the Budaabang clan and serves as Chief Executive Officer of Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation and Coordinator of the Bellinger Valley Indigenous Protected Area. As CEO, he leads a collective of Traditional Custodians delivering creative and technical leadership in cultural regeneration, environmental projects and caring for Budaabang Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr across the Bellingen Valley. Raised on his family’s farm at Yellow Rock by Elders Richard and Lillian Kelly and great uncles Tom and Raymond Kelly, Dean’s work is grounded in the teachings of his Old People and a deep sense of custodial responsibility. He is widely recognised as a cultural educator and advocate for First Nations-led land management, guiding initiatives such as the Bellinger Valley Indigenous Protected Area consultations and community engagement to empower Gumbaynggirr stewardship of Country.
Brentyn Lugnan
Chief Operating Officer
Brentyn Lugnan is a proud Gumbaynggirr man from Urunga on the NSW Mid North Coast and serves as Chief Operations Officer of Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, helping lead day-to-day delivery of Yurruungga’s cultural, environmental and community programs on Budaabang Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr. An experienced artist and designer, he brings more than three decades of creative practice to his role, weaving Gumbaynggirr story, design and identity into projects ranging from local public art and landscape design to regional partnerships and on-Country initiatives. As COO, Brentyn focuses on turning Yurruungga’s vision into practical outcomes supporting staff and partners, strengthening operations and ensuring that every project reflects the values, authority and aspirations of Gumbaynggirr people.
Mathew Flanders
IPA Project Manager
Mathew (Matt) Flanders is the Project Manager for the Bellinger Valley Indigenous Protected Area at Yurruungga Aboriginal Corporation, drawing on his experience as a Cultural Heritage Officer working to protect rainforest Country and Gumbaynggirr cultural sites along the Bellinger. In this role he coordinates on-ground projects, community engagement and partnerships that strengthen biodiversity, safeguard cultural heritage and support Gumbaynggirr-led management of Budaabang Gumbaynggirr Wajaarr.
Our Impact
Delivering real outcomes for Gumbaynggirr Country and community
Our Partners
Working together with trusted organisations across government, corporate, and community sectors
Partner With Us
We welcome partnerships that support our mission of caring for Gumbaynggirr Country and community. Whether you're a government agency, corporate organisation, or professional seeking to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.
Join organisations who support Gumbaynggirr culture