Walawaani" is a Dhurga word from the Yuin Nation on the south coast of NSW that can mean "hello and welcome" or "safe journey". It is used as a greeting and can also be used to wish someone safe journey, both to their current destination and from it.
Reinventing dead languages seems to be all the rage these days; in fact, there is a whole radio programme dedicated to "teaching" us words from the diverse languages of black Australia from Anmatyerre to Arrernte, from Bidjara to Bundjalung, from Nyungar to Ngaanyatjarra, from Yankunytjatjara to Yorta Yorta — one silly word at a time - click here.
I think I stick to the old-fashioned "Hello" as I walk across the bridge and around the village, catching up with neighbours and their latest gossip.
