‘Gobata’ means ‘take care’ in the Wadawurrung language and it’s there for all to see along the Surf Coast Highway.
Gobota is the NAIDOC Week message posted at Mount Duneed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC).
WTOAC joined forces with Armstrong’s Villawood Properties on Wadawurrung Country to highlight the annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, culture and achievements.
NAIDOC, the National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, is driving the theme ‘For Our Elders’ in its 2023 showcase, blending neatly with the Wadawurrung ‘gobata’ message.
“Our Elders shape and guide each generation, passing on cultural knowledge to ensure we all understand our cultural obligation to take care of Wadawurrung Country,” Wadawurrung woman and WTOAC recognition and negotiations general manager Rebekah Devlin said.
“In Wadawurrung language, we do not have a word for goodbye as we hope to see you again, we say ‘gobata’ instead.
“Gobata means take care, but it can be used in many contexts: take care of each other, of yourself, of Country – but it is up to all of us to take care of our Elders.
“This is something we can all aspire to, not just during NAIDOC Week, but every week – ensuring our Elders are cared for and treated with the respect they so dearly deserve.”
WTOAC CEO Liam Murphy thanked Villawood Properties for its support in giving more visibility to Wadawurrung language on the Surf Coast Highway, adding that he’d love to see a permanent installation of ‘Wadawurrung Country’ letters in the region one day.
Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said the ‘Gobata’ signage, in giant corten steel lettering, was an important message by the community for the community.
“NAIDOC Week is a great time for people to learn about First Nations cultures and histories,” he said.
“The gobata message is a warm and welcoming message, an invitation to acknowledge one of the oldest, continuous living cultures on the planet. Our First Nations are an integral part of Australia – a part we can share and celebrate.”
