dream for a goori renaissance

Bulagan Ltd is an Aboriginal-owned not-for-profit dedicated to Gumbaynggirr language revitalisation, cultural knowledge transmission, and community-led development across language, music and art.

Founded by Birrugan Dunn-Velasco, Bulagan is built upon years of grassroots experience, community engagement, and strategic vision to develop language and culture as living, contemporary systems, and to grow sustainable opportunities for our people in the Nambucca Valley and beyond.

We operate as a culturally grounded, community-driven organisation committed to ensuring our languages, arts and cultural practices are not only preserved, but actively lived, taught, created, performed and passed on, while creating real pathways for young Gumbaynggirr people.

Birrugan Dunn-Velasco leading a Group of children and adults standing in a semi-circle around a display board with photographs in a living room.
Birrugan Dunn-Velasco, CEO of Bulgan LTD, sitting outside under a large white canopy, holding papers and wearing a light blue dress shirt, sunglasses on his head, and a watch.

“I hope that Bulagan can be a possible future for our young people to inherit, carry and pass on to the next generations after them in a sustainable and dynamic manner.

I hope for a future where the concept of language revitalisation is obsolete, where we no longer need language centres, linguists, dictionaries or word lists. I dream for a Goori renaissance; art, music, culture, philosophy - every aspect of our society exists as an extension of our nationhood and is our languages made manifest.”

CEO and Founder, Birrugan Dunn-Velasco

Who We Are

  • A thriving Gumbaynggirr future where language, culture, music and art are lived, practised and passed on through strong community systems, local leadership, and intergenerational transmission.

  • To strengthen Gumbaynggirr futures through community-led language revitalisation and culturally grounded programs across language, music and art, creating pathways for cultural participation, learning, leadership and employment in the Nambucca Valley.

  • Bulagan was born out of the pressing need to secure a long-term, strategic and community-driven approach to Gumbaynggirr language revitalisation and cultural continuity in the Nambucca Valley.

    The region faces high levels of youth disengagement and limited local employment pathways. Without meaningful intervention, language and culture risk being disconnected from everyday life, creative practice, and economic sustainability.

    Through Birrugan’s long-standing work with BMNAC, Muurrbay, and direct mentorship from Gumbaynggirr cultural leaders, Bulagan emerged as the next step: an independent Aboriginal-led organisation dedicated to embedding language, culture, music and art within community systems, ensuring future generations can live, work, create and thrive in their own cultural frameworks.

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Our work

  • Group of people gathered in a room with framed photos on the walls, a white door, calendar, and display boards. Some seated, some standing, with food and mugs on a table in the foreground. Mililma May teaching.

    Community Class

    Our weekly community class. Shared meal and transport provided across the Nambucca Valley. All levels welcome. Donations keep classes free.

  • Birrugan Dunn-Velasco leading a group of people, including children and adults, gathered in a classroom or community room. Some individuals are standing while others are seated. Birrugan Dunn-Velasco leads the class.

    AOD PREVENTION

    Through our partnership with LDAT as part of a Community Action Plan, we mentor young people and support parents and families through language classes that strengthen culture, connection, and positive pathways.

  • Birrugan Dunn-Velasco stands smiling in front of a fence with a sign for Ngurrala Aboriginal Corporation at the entrance of a wooded area.

    Research

    Research and desktop review work that strengthens our knowledge base, supports program development, and helps inform future language, music, and cultural initiatives.

  • Birrugan Dunn-Velasco giving a presentation at a conference with a projected slide behind him. Several people are seated at round tables, listening. A large water bottle is on one table. The room has black curtains and dark walls.

    Advocacy

    We advocate for stronger futures through language, culture, research, and public contribution, sharing community-led work across education, conferences, music, art, and wider sector conversations.