Knowledge keeper, tour guide and proud Bangerang man — meet our mate Uncle Dozer Atkinson from Bangerang Country

Knowledge keeper, tour guide and proud Bangerang man — meet our mate Uncle Dozer Atkinson from Bangerang Country

“Yakama dora Bangerang wokka…welcome to the Bangerang Country.”

It’s how Uncle Dozer Atkinson begins many of his tours. But it’s more than a greeting — it’s an invitation to walk with respect, to listen deeply and to connect with Country in a new way.

A proud Bangerang Elder, Uncle Dozer is the director of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Education (ACHE), a family-run business delivering on-Country tours and cultural education programs across The Murray and nearby regions. He’s based on Bangerang Country which stretches from the Ovens River in the east to the Campaspe River in the west, covering ground both north and south of the Murray River and towns including Cobram Barooga, Echuca Moama and Shepparton.

Uncle Dozer’s work spans land and language, education and ecology, with one clear goal: to share stories that honour the world’s oldest continuous living culture. His deep connection started from learning the stories of Country and the river, carrying on an oral history stretching back tens of thousands of years.

“I’ve spent all my life here…my favourite memories stem back to being a child on Cummeragunja Aboriginal Mission, and havin’ Elders around me constantly that were willing to teach me the history.”

A light trail with deep roots

Uncle Dozer’s deep respect for culture, Country and community all come together at Bullanginya Dreaming — a unique, award-winning light and sound experience trail set along the banks of the Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga.

The project was a true collaboration between ACHE, the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation and Sporties Barooga, blending storytelling, shared history and modern technology. Along the 1.8-kilometre trail, visitors encounter 12 light-based installations, each paired with a traditional Bangerang story and set within a landscape of deep significance.

“We had to get to a point where we were able to walk side-by-side with each other and come to an agreement — what the trail would look like, what cultural knowledge we were willing to share on the trail with the wider community.”

But for Uncle Dozer, the trail isn’t just a cultural project. It’s personal. His family have helped bring Bullanginya Dreaming to life, with multiple generations involved. His mother-in-law voices the “Life of a Tree” story, while his cousin created the designs for the platypus light sculpture.

Sporties Barooga also played a key role in bringing the vision to life. As their Business Development Manager, Tony Tranter, puts it:

“Bullanginya Dreaming has been a transformative project for us here at the Sporties and the community of Barooga. It’s the beginning of a really exciting partnership that will continue to facilitate learning and opportunities long into the future.”

Bullanginya Lagoon is known as a traditional Bangerang meeting place, and the trail includes an ancient midden — a tangible link to the generations who walked here long before.

“The essence of Bullanginya Dreaming is to share the stories that still survive. Some are thousands of years old. This is a space to honour them.”

Healing Country through cultural connection

ACHE’s on-Country tours and school programs are about more than education — they’re about reconnection. With land. With culture. With each other.

They run at locations around the area, including Bullanginya Dreaming, of course.

“We share stories through actually taking people out on Country to see the river flow and to sit in a quiet spot…really allow people to tune into what spaces like the Murray River can offer. It’s something very special.”

Through these programs, Uncle Dozer shares cultural practices like seasonal burning and language revival and the importance of healthy land and waterways.

“If we have a sick Country, we have a sick waterway. And if we have a sick waterway, we have sick people. Once we can start healin’ Country and revivin’ Country, we’ll ultimately have healthier communities and healthier people.”

ACHE also works closely with schools, helping younger generations learn Bangerang words — like wokka (Country) and wolla (water) — and building understanding through language and story.

“Galnyan yackurumja bangerang yembina which translates to: while on Country, please respect it, please respect our water and please respect all the people on it.”

Walking with respect

The Murray River has always been a life-giver, not just for the land, but for its people. For the Bangerang, it’s more than a water source. It’s part of their creation story.

“It’s very much part of our creation story. It connects us. And it’s what makes this region so special — the way it winds through Country, giving life to everyone along its path.”

It’s that connection Uncle Dozer hopes every visitor will feel, and carry with them, after experiencing Bullanginya Dreaming or walking on Country with ACHE. And he encourages visitors to show up with open ears, open minds and a willingness to learn.

His advice?

No matter where you’re travelling, learn about the Traditional Owners, join a First Nations-led tour and engage with the partnerships behind each experience — like the one between ACHE, the Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation and Barooga Sporties that created Bullanginya Dreaming.

“You’ve got to be able to drop your guard. Turn your ears on. Be prepared to listen to the locals.”

And when you do? You’ll hear stories that have been passed down for thousands of years.

“Come along and visit Bullanginya Dreaming because it’s a really unique opportunity to be part of something very special.”

Explore more of Cobram Barooga and surrounds

This blog is part of the latest season in our Mates of The Murray series — a celebration of the people at the heart of our region. We’re spotlighting local operators whose passion, creativity and everyday efforts help shape The Murray, not just as a place to visit, but as a place to belong. It’s not about events or must-see spots. It’s about people, stories and the connections that tie our region together.

Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to meet more of our mates or subscribe to our emails for more stories from across The Murray.