Baiame's Ngunnhu, Fisheries

Brewarrina Fish Traps, known as Baiame's Ngunnhu, are a remarkable network of dry-stone weirs and ponds spanning nearly half a kilometre across the Barwon River in Brewarrina, New South Wales. Believed to be over 40,000 years old, these structures are among the world's oldest human-made constructions. According to Aboriginal tradition, the ancestral being Baiame, along with his sons Booma-ooma-nowi and Ghinda-inda-mui, designed and built the traps to provide sustenance during times of drought. The intricate design allowed for efficient herding and catching of fish, particularly during spring migrations. The traps also served as a significant meeting place for various Aboriginal groups, fostering social, cultural, and spiritual connections. Today, they stand as a testament to the ingenuity and enduring cultural heritage of Aboriginal communities.