In September 2023 on Gumbaynggirr Country we saw competitors and communities from all different parts of the country attend the 2023 Naru Surf Gathering. The gathering was open on the evening of Friday and went all weekend, closing early afternoon the following Sunday. 

Instantly, in the first few moments I felt just how strong the culture is. Everybody was greeting each other in language and it was amazing to see the kids do the same. 

The Naru Surf Gathering was established after the passing of Amber and James Mercy’s father. The aim of the gathering is to create a place of healing and to have a positive impact on the community. 

My experience of Naru was exactly that. The event came at a perfect time for me, and to be surrounded by such a powerful community coming together was exactly what I needed. From arriving at the Botanical Gardens on Friday evening, to packing up my camera equipment at the closing of the event on Sunday, I was full of love and joy from the mob that I met.

On Saturday morning at Diggers Beach, there was a beautiful smoking ceremony by a local Gumbaynggirr man named Troy. I had a conversation with Troy on Friday evening and it was amazing to hear that one of the songs performed was actually passed down by my great-grandfather Ray Kelly Senior, a Dunghutti Man. After finding that out I knew I was where I needed to be. Following the smoking ceremony on Saturday morning, I watched the Jalay Jalay Dance group perform and they did an amazing job.

I was on such a high from this morning and it was only the beginning of the two days at the beach. As soon as the surfing began, I knew I was surrounded by great talent. I see any form of being in the ocean as a modern-day way of connecting to Country, and to see so many First Nations people surf made me super happy. I was mainly shooting from the land with a 600mm long lens but I managed to get a couple of opportunities to jump in the water and do some shooting. Being out there next to the talent just added another layer of being connected to this gathering.

The whole weekend showed how important these gatherings are for our people by creating a space to come together and heal, teach and learn. It was awesome to see parents and leaders in the community take out the Koori Groms and teach them to surf in between their heats. 

The Naru Surf Gathering is an event I want to attend yearly. The whole trip from leaving Dharawal Country (Wollongong) and heading to Gumbaynggirr Country (Coffs Harbour) was an eye-opening experience. This event has given me time to reflect on my creative passion and shape my vision for the next 12 months. My cup was well and truly filled and if you have any interest in community events or surfing, I highly recommend attending this event in 2024.