Yaama,

What is a Dreaming Story?

‘Dreaming’ or ‘Dreamtime’ are English words that describe a rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concept. In reality, it is impossible to find words that adequately capture this core element of who we are, but it’s something you feel when you sit with us on our country and hear our stories with an open mind and heart.

Dreaming is more than a mythical past; it prescribes our connection as Aboriginal people with the spiritual essence of everything around us and beyond us. Dreaming stories are not in the past, they are outside of time – always present and giving meaning to all aspects of life.

The Dreaming is passed from generation to generation through stories, song, dance and art. This knowledge gives us special responsibility and is seen as a great honour. In this way we become the holder of this essential knowledge.

(from the Reconciliation Australia website; reconciliation.org.au)

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Our Aboriginal students in all grades read and discussed the Awabakal Dreaming Story, The Petrified Women of Swansea Heads – Mulloong-Bula.

In this Dreaming Story, two women were turned to stone as punishment after being in trouble with an Aboriginal warrior. They were the two upright stones at Swansea Heads and they became guardians who protected the nearby burial grounds of their ancestors. The Awabakal people feared that great sea monsters might enter Lake Macquarie. When the stone women saw strange boats coming from the sea, they would return to human form and warn the clans of impending danger.

Mulloong-Bula, the site where the two stone sisters once stood (Google Earth 2020)

The children discussed the word ‘petrified’ and learned that it means ‘turned to stone’. It has biblical connotations too. Jesus called his apostle Simon ‘Peter’ – meaning ‘rock’; the rock upon which Jesus would build His Church.

Mulloong-Bula has very important messages:

1. We can still have a helpful role to play in our society even if we have done something wrong;
2. It’s important to let others know of any imminent dangers to protect us as a group;
3. We respect, honour and guard the resting places of our ancestors.

You may like to view this short video about Mulloong-Bula (Malangbula), Two Sisters, developed by Saretta Fielding.

Saretta is a Wanaruah woman and has lived most of her life in the Lake Macquarie area. She has committed to improving the lives of Indigenous people in the Hunter region for over 20 years.

(Illustration: Antonio M)

Phil Taylor

Aboriginal Education Teacher