“It’s hard for me to put into words why I like the beach so much. Everything about it is renewing for me, almost like therapy...Beach Therapy.” - Amy Dykens

A majikal day at the beach , Valla NSW.

There is some conjecture as to whether the name Valla is of  European or Aboriginal derivation. The Gumbaynggir translate the name Valla to Janingbirriny, which means wattle tree gum-bridge (Morelli, 1999). Other accounts on the history of the area note that the Aborigines name for the locality was Valla Valla
(Thurtell & Smith n.d.). Jagun is Gumbaynggir for homeland, country or birthplace (Morelli, 1999).

Aboriginal communities have an association and connection to the land. The land and water diversity values within a landscape are central to Aboriginal spirituality and contribute to Aboriginal identity. Aboriginal communities associate natural resources with the use and enjoyment of foods and medicines, caring for the land, passing on cultural knowledge and strengthening social bonds. Aboriginal heritage and nature are
inseparable from each other and need to be managed in an integrated manner across the landscape.

During consultation with the Gumbaynggir people they have indicated that they have a
strong connection to the Valla Beach and Oyster Creek areas. The entrance to Oyster
Creek is highly significant to the Gumbaynggir people as well as an important spiritual
link with Nunguu Mirral Aboriginal Area (Picket Hill):