On Yuin Country, we had the privilege of sitting down with Uncle Ron Callaghan, a proud Dunghutti man born and bred in Moruya, whose mother was a local woman from the Batemans Bay area. With a warm smile and decades of lived experience, Uncle Ron shared his memories, his passion for culture, and his hopes for the younger generation. Growing Up on Country Uncle Ron’s childhood was filled with fishing trips, family gatherings, and time spent on Country. “I remember fishing a lot, especially on weekends,” he recalls. “Dad worked in the mill, and we’d often spend time around the community together.” These moments helped shape his deep connection to land, family, and culture. The Values That Last a Lifetime When asked what lessons he’d pass on to young people today, his answer was clear: respect and pride. “Pride in who you are, where you are, and where you come from—those things are just as important as respect,” he says. Strength in Unity For Uncle Ron, walking forward with strength, pride, and belonging means unity. “It’s our mob uniting as one, moving forward together in today’s world. We can’t live in the past all our lives. We’ve caught up in many ways, and there’s nothing we can’t do.” Music and Cultural Connection Music has been a major part of Uncle Ron’s life since the early ’80s, when he first performed with the band Bank of Mixed Relations. Today, he performs both solo and with a talented band, using music to share stories and connect with younger generations. “I sing about culture, about our people, and about what life means as an Aboriginal person,” he explains. A Message for the Youth His final words in the interview were directed straight to young people: “Let go of all the rubbish, stay strong, and keep moving forward. Think about what’s good for you as a person. Some people will try to bring you down, but there are plenty who will help you too.” Uncle Ron’s story is a reminder that culture is living, breathing, and evolving—passed on through family, community, and the voices of those who live it every day.