Fishing With Dolphins In Quandamooka Poem by Stephen Katona

There was a man called Gowanda,
Hero of the people of Quandamooka,
Who became a dolphin when he died.
To dolphins he was a guide,
Teaching them to fish with men Aboriginal,
He started a relationship quite original.

When they saw a shoal of fish far out to sea,
Noonucal men ran with glee,
To beat the water with spears,
Asking for dolphin volunteers,
Who chased mullet to shore,
So many, for a feast galore.

Around the men the dolphins ate.
Both did well to co-operate.
Men gave dolphins fish from their spear,
Complete trust meant no fear.
Sometimes they used nets of kurranjong bark,
And the dolphins protected them from shark,
Whether in canoes made from a gum tree,
Or just swimming naturally.

If you ever see Gowanda with his white fin,
Ask how we can all learn to be like him.