Country Calling: Jason Weetra’s reunion story
My name is Jason Weetra and I would like to share my journey with as many people as possible.
I was born on the 6 September 1970. My mother is Warramungu mob from Tennant Creek. My skin names are Jungarrayi and Bungaadi. I first found out I was adopted when I was a young boy, which sparked me to find out where I come from and where I belong, as it is such an important piece to our mobs’ journey.
As a child and growing up, I had this feeling of being lost because I never knew who I was or where I was from. I have had a very eventful journey in my life, a lot of ups and downs, being led in the wrong direction on occasions, but finding family and where I belong is what I have always wanted and finding it has truly opened my heart and mind.
I started my journey with Link-Up (Qld) in January 2023 to find and reconnect with family and country, to learn more about my culture and heritage for myself as well as my daughter.
Passing knowledge that I already have (and what I will continue to receive) down to my daughter is something that we can have for the rest of our lives.
Link-Up (Qld) have done a thorough job assisting me with my journey and when I received my research, I could not put the feelings into words of how I felt. I appreciate everything Link-Up (Qld) has done for me in my journey and would not have been able to get through it without their assistance.
I have known my family are from Tennant Creek, Northern Territory, as I have lived and worked there prior to coming to Link-Up (Qld).
Above: Jason Weetra with daughter Kyra on his Link-Up reunion trip to South Australia.
After receiving my research and learning about the Weetra name and that it comes from Venus Bay, South Australia (an old station called Weetra Station), I was amazed and heart-warmed.
After discussing my reunion options with Link-Up (Qld) staff, we had decided it was best to travel back to country to Weetra Station in Venus Bay, South Australia. I was overwhelmed and very eager to be able to share this part of my journey with my daughter Kyra.
Travelling down to South Australia with my daughter accompanied by Joshua and Jack was such a wonderful trip passing through towns of where my mob would have travelled through and the beautiful landscapes. Arriving in Streaky Bay, SA, which is a 30-minute drive to Venus Bay, I felt like it was close to home. Driving out to Weetra Station, I felt very comfortable and supported as it was home, and I had my daughter there with me to share this moment.
“Being able to touch the soil that my ancestors walked on, I felt grounded and connected straight away. I felt as though I could drop everything in the world and live there in an instant.”
Above: Jason Weetra with daughter Kyra on his Link-Up reunion trip to South Australia.
During my reunion, we were able to visit surrounding places where my people lived and walked, which I am also truly grateful for.
After leaving Venus Bay, we travelled back to Adelaide where my daughter and I were able to visit the resting places of a couple of my elders before me.
I’d like to thank Link-Up (Qld) and the staff for assisting me on my journey and the work they have done for me. I can not find the words to explain how I feel for what I have received from Link-Up (Qld).
My advice to anyone else looking to start their journey would be to “just do it”. Don’t be shy, give it a go – it’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done, and the connection is the greatest thing anyone could ever want. Start your connection and don’t be scared of the ‘what if’s’. Your heritage and family is everything. Embrace it all.
Jason Weetra
Published July 2025.
