Borah Crossing recognised as an Aboriginal Place

The Namoi River flows through the traditional lands of the Gomeroi and Gamilaroi people, in the Northern Tablelands and North West slopes of New South Wales. Located on the Namoi River, near Gunnedah and Manilla, is Borah Crossing.

Spanning both sides of the river, the area of Borah Crossing, holds significant cultural, spiritual, and physical significance for the Gomeroi and Gamilaroi people who maintain a deep inherent responsibility to care for it.

On 8 May 2026, NSW Government-declared Borah Crossing an Aboriginal Place. The declaration will provide legal protection to ensure Borah Crossing’s cultural values are preserved for future generations.

The Borah Crossing Aboriginal Place has been recognised to include former meeting places, ceremonial grounds, burial sites, cultural scarred trees, campsites and bora rings, reflecting Aboriginal connection to the area across many generations.

The Namoi River is one of hundreds of river systems that WaterNSW operations occur along. Working in partnership with community, we have developed an understanding and respect for the connections to the land and water for First Nations people. Through shared stories and experiences, we have listened and learned.

We recognise the significance to the Gomeroi and Gamilaroi people and welcome the declaration of Borah Crossing as an Aboriginal Place. Following the announcement of Borah Crossing, we were pleased to come together on country to celebrate.

We look forward to continuing to work with the local community, the Gomeroi and Gamilaroi people and as we collectively develop a plan of management for Borah Crossing, to help protect and respect the site’s cultural heritage into the future.

Learn more  about how we are engaging  with First Nations People and our First Nations programs.