Based on a traditional story from the Gimuy
Walubara Yidinji First Nations people of Cairns, it
has been told by many generations.
Gurril could not understand why everyone was afraid of a
snake, even if it was Gudju-gudju, the rainbow serpent! But
he was soon to discover just how powerful Gudju-gudju
really was and why it is not a good idea to torment the
rainbow serpent.
Gurril, Storm Bird
is a Gimuy Walubara (pronounced ghee-
moy-wah-la-burra) Yidinji traditional story that helps to
explain the cultural beliefs held by the Yidinji First Nations
People of Cairns. The Gimuy Walubarra are the traditional
custodians of Cairns and the surrounding regions.
This story has been told orally by many generations over
thousands of years and is intrinsic to the Yidinji culture,
both past and present. The call of the storm bird helps the
Yidinji people prepare for the arrival of rain or the wet
season. During the dry season the Gimuy Walubara people
would dance and mimic the storm bird to bring in the rain.