What is "ngurungaeta"

Ngurungaeta is a Woi-Wurrung word meaning 'head man' or 'tribal leader'. Used by Clans of the Woi-Wurrung tribes and Taung Wurrung Ngurai-illum Wurrung ref First Peoples, GaryPresland. Ngurungaeta held the same tribal standing as an Arweet of the Bunurong and Wathaurong people. The current Ngurungaeta is Murrundindi.

Ngurungaeta include:

• Bebejan - one of the seven ngurungaeta who signed the 1835 treaty with John Batman
• Billibellary, (1799–1846) - ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri-willam clan
• Simon Wonga (1824–1874) - ngurungaeta and son of Billibellary
• William Barak (1824–1903) - last traditional ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri-willam clan
• Robert Wandoon (1854–1908) - anointed ngurungaeta by William Barak
• James Wandin (1933–2006) - ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri
• Murrundindi - appointed ngurungaeta at the funeral of James Wandin in 2006.