The difference between the spellings Kabi Kabi and Gubbi Gubbi comes from the way early anthropologists and linguists recorded the language from different regions and family groups. In the northern parts of Country, researchers such as Watson commonly recorded the name using a “K” spelling, while in southern areas other anthropologists often wrote it with a “G” spelling. The actual pronunciation sits somewhere in between the English sounds of “K” and “G,” and there were also slight accent and pronunciation differences across different parts of Country.

Later, during the Native Title process, one of the earlier claim applications used the “Gubbi Gubbi” spelling, which meant it became widely recognised in legal and government contexts at that time. As the claim process evolved to better align family groups, borders, and cultural identity, the claim was later resubmitted using the “Kabi Kabi” spelling. Because of this, Kabi Kabi has increasingly become the formal and preferred spelling used today in cultural, community, educational, and official settings.

Returning Boomerang (Kabi Kabi style) is a traditional tool crafted by the Kabi Kabi people, designed to return to its thrower after being cast. Skillfully shaped, this boomerang is used both in hunting and as a symbol of connection to the land. In Djaa, it serves as an essential item for Buangun, allowing him to strike from a distance and collect valuable resources as it returns to his hand.