Yambina

The Yambina were an Aboriginal Australian people of the state of Queensland, whose traditional lands lie inland (westwards) some distance from Mackay.

Traditional lands of Australian Aboriginal peoples in central Queensland

Country

Yambina lands included Logan Creek south of Avon Downs. They ran east to the Denham Range and Logan Downs. The western extension lay around the area of Elgin Downs. They were also present at Solferino. Norman Tindale estimated their territory as circumscribing about 6,500 square kilometres (2,500 sq mi).^[1]

Social organisation

The marriage rules governing the Yambina were set forth by Wilson and Murray, who discerned two classes, the Youngaroo and the Wootharoo.^[2]

History of contact

Within a few decades of white settlement, it was estimated that the Yambina numbered 100.^[3]

Language

Main article: Yambina language

The language of the Yambina people was Yambina, considered a dialect of the Biri language. No speakers of the language have been recorded since before 1975.^[4]

Alternative names

AIATSIS' AUSTLANG lists:^[4]

• Jambina
• Jampa:l
• Jampal
• Muthoburra
• Mutholburra
• Narboo Murre
• Yambeena

Some words

• wanday (tame dog)
• marrara or mowara (wild dog)
• yabboo (father)
• younga (nerra) (mother)
• meekooloo (white man)^[5]