With a heavy heart but a resolute spirit we announce that Yugambeh Region Aboriginal Corporation has been removed from the Yugambeh Nation website, effective immediately.

Our decision stems from recent events that have deeply troubled us and raised significant concerns about the organisation's commitment to upholding our cultural principles and values.

YRACA has displayed a blatant disregard for our cultural principles, this disregard for our cultural heritage is not merely a deviation; it is an affront to the essence of who we are as a people. As elected representatives, we cannot in good conscience continue to be part of an organisation that fails to uphold our values and fails to hold its members accountable for their misconduct.

Furthermore, our concerns extend beyond recent events, such as the exclusion of the Yugambeh Linguist, Shaun Davies from the Yugambeh language segment components of their program further erodes our confidence in YRACA's ability to fulfill its responsibilities. He has since resigned in disgust.

Transparency and accountability are paramount, and it is essential for our community to understand the challenges we face in preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. It is also imperative to address a critical concern that has weighed heavily on our conscience—the collective punishment of children, which constitutes a blatant violation of human rights. As a staunch advocate forthe rights of our youth, we vehemently oppose any practice that undermines their dignity and well -being. The recent events at YRACA have raised serious questions about its commitment to respecting the rights of our children. No organisation wishing to be compliant with human rights law can tenably work with YRACA while such practices persist.

Upholding the dignity and rights of our children must be non-negotiable, and any organisation failing to do so can not claim to represent our community's best interests. It is imperative that we stand firm against such injustices and ensure that our youth are treated with the respect and fairness they deserve.

We are committed to taking proactive steps to address the evident shortcomings within YRACA and will work with fellow community members to establish a new organisation—one that prioritises integrity, accountability, and the authentic promotion of our cultural principles. Together, we will create a platform that safeguards our heritage and nurtures our youth, ensuring they embody the values of our ancestors.

This decision is not made lightly, but it is made with the utmost respect for our cultural legacy and the future of our community. We urge all community members to join us in this endeavour, as together, we can ensure that our heritage is preserved and celebrated with the dignity and respect it deserves.

Thank you for understanding and supporting the Yugambeh Nation