Talk with any member of Navy’s Bungaree Dance Troop, and you’ll quickly learn they are bonded by love of nation and serving.
Originally formed in 2013 and named ‘Bungaree’ a year later, the Indigenous performance group is named after King Bungaree of Broken Bay’s Garigal clan.
Bungaree members are performing dancers, endorsed by clan elders, and wear a mix of traditional dress and naval uniform.
Lead chanter for Bungaree is Leading Seaman Jordy Lenoy who is one of the original members.
“To see it grow over the past 10 years for us to share our culture and educate has been important to all my brothers and sisters,” Leading Seaman Lenoy said.
“The impacts of this have definitely been seen and noticed by the other services and we are very proud of what we have achieved.”
Bungaree performers are volunteers, drawn together to demonstrate Navy’s diverse culture, showcasing Australia’s First Nations cultures at Defence and community events.
King Bungaree was the first known Indigenous person to circumnavigate Australia during his voyage on HMS Investigator between 1801 and 1803 with Matthew Flinders.
This year’s NAIDOC theme keep the fire burning Blak, Loud and Proud, resonated with Able Seaman Kieren Nieves, a new performer who only learnt about his heritage later in life.
“Growing up my heritage was not openly acknowledged to me, that my ancestors were affected during the stolen generation,” Able Seaman Nieves said.
“Being a part of Bungaree has been helpful, with me learning more about my culture and being able to be supported on this journey by others who have had similar experiences.”
Bungaree represents all clans and nations from as far as Torres Strait to the south-west of Western Australia.
All members come together for special events and ceremonies throughout the year.
Able Seaman Tracey Lei’s first performance with Bungaree was last year at the sea power conference in front of thousands of people.
“I wasn’t nervous for the first time I performed. I was there with my brothers and sisters and felt like it was where we belong, celebrating nation to an international audience,” she said.
