Dambeemangaddee Traditional Owners and families have returned to Umbagaramba / Balanyoo, also known as Cockatoo Island, for a celebration of Country, culture and connection.

The event on Wednesday marked the developing partnership between Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and Crestlink, while giving families an opportunity to spend time together on Country.

Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation chair, Gary Umbagai, said returning families to Country remained an important part of the organisation's work.

Mr Umbagai said the connection between older generations and the islands remained central to the day.

"For us, getting back on Country is what is important," he said.

"Our old people were connected to these islands and looked after Country, and we want our children and our families to have that same connection.

"Being together here at Umbagaramba / Balanyoo, sharing culture and bringing our families back here, is what makes this celebration so important."

The event also recognised the Indigenous Land Use Agreement signed by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and Crestlink in 2024.

The agreement established a framework for the two organisations to work together and has since formed the basis of their relationship.

In 2026, Crestlink's involvement in the future of Koolan Island further expanded opportunities for Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation to be involved in decisions and opportunities across both islands.

Crestlink CEO and Co-Founder, Eanna Doolin, said the gathering recognised the agreement and the relationship developed since it was signed.

Mr Doolin said the partnership was intended to maintain a role for Dambeemangaddee people in decisions affecting Umbagaramba / Balanyoo.

"The ILUA was an important foundation for our relationship with Dambimangari, and we are proud of the partnership we have continued to build with DAC and Dambeemangaddee people since it was executed," he said.

"Our commitment is to work cooperatively with Traditional Owners and ensure Dambeemangaddee people have a meaningful role in the future of Umbagaramba / Balanyoo.

"This celebration is an opportunity to recognise how far that relationship has come, but importantly to do that here on Country with Dambeemangaddee people and their families."

Mr Umbagai said the partnership could also create employment, business and caring for Country opportunities for Dambeemangaddee people.

He said the focus was on building opportunities that could continue across future generations.

"Through partnerships like this, we can show our people the opportunities that are here on our Country - to work, look after, build businesses and create opportunities for our young people and future generations," Mr Umbagai said.

"That is what we want to build from here: a strong future for our people on our own Country."