Alongside her colleagues Steve Donovan, Arlene McInherney and Chris O’Brien, Nardja helps connect school children, local residents and international travellers to the land she is connected to both in heritage and spirit.

The Yun Yi Barragay, ‘Walk With Me’ in traditional Gattang language, program is setting the benchmark for cultural tourism experiences on the Mid-North Coast. A premier attraction at the Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, the cultural education program includes bush tucker tours through the sub tropical rainforest, shared stories of the Birpai culture, dancing and traditional language workshops.

Nardja, a former IT employee with a passion to make a difference to her community, said the team derives a great deal of satisfaction as cultural ambassadors for the region.

“It is incredibly satisfying for all of us. When people from overseas come to the area and we are their first interaction with an Aboriginal person that can be quite amazing,” Nardja said.

“To be a part of that experience is very honouring for us. We pride ourselves on having local information about the Birpai culture and being able to share that.”

Sea Acres Rainforest Centre in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service has become a cultural hub offering bush tucker and coastal walk tours, the inspiring Spirit of the Land exhibition in the theatrette with a moving Welcome To Country by Uncle Bill O’Brien, sand animation stories, sculptural art and images from the Thomas Dick collection.

This year, Sea Acres Rainforest Centre celebrates 100 years of conservation in the Hastings.