This River of Gold

About the Artist

Burra McHughes, a proud Murrawarri and Ngemba man from Brewarrina in western New South Wales and Sydney songwriter and environmental educator, Kelly Winning join forces to release this deeply moving single, “This River of Gold”. A heartfelt story of the river at Brewarrina, home of the ancient fish traps (Ngunnhu), it shares the heart of the people for their river and country. Written in 2018, during one of the nation’s harshest droughts, the song was inspired by Burra’s desire to share the importance of protecting Country for future generations. The song features the sound of an emu (Noori) caller which is similar shape to a yidaki (didgeridoo) but shorter and is tapped to mimic the sound of the female emu when hunting to lure the male off the eggs. The song truly carries the authentic sound of the land and the people. It features Uncle Col Hardy, Brewarina elder and 1973 Golden Guitar winner as well as Uncle Peter Gordon on Emu caller, Aunty Mary Waites on vocals and blues guitarist Buddy Knox with the community joining in for the final chorus. This song is driven by heartfelt lyrics, rich storytelling and emotional country instrumentation. The song reminds listeners that caring for rivers and Country should be no different from caring for family. “This River of Gold” is more than a song — it is a call for respect, conservation and connection.