Enviro group to host cultural talk

AS part of environmental organisation Leigh Catchment Group’s Connecting to Country project, a cultural heritage talk is set for Buninyong Community House.

Wadawurrung woman and director of Mirriyu Cultural Consulting Bonnie Chew is set to deliver the presentation.

Environmental projects officer and Landcare facilitator Bianca Fammartino is leading the Connecting to Country initiative, and said when she previously saw the talk, she knew the Leigh Catchment Group and broader community would benefit from it too.

“Connecting to our cultural heritage and the traditional owners, and getting some knowledge about our history, is always something that we’re passionate about because our role as project officers or facilitators is to work with locals to achieve sustainable ecosystems, agriculture, and communities,” Ms Fammartino said.

“At the talk, people will gain an understanding of why there’s an interest in cataloguing and finding Indigenous artefacts, and leaving them where they are, where they belong.

“Our guests are invited to bring along any cultural artefacts or photographs that they want to discuss or identify with Bonnie.”

Ms Chew has a background in Aboriginal cultural heritage management, reconciliation action planning, and knowledge around incarceration, genealogy, health, and education.

She is an Indigenous independent prison visitor, an Indigenous heritage representative of Victoria on the Victorian Public Records Advisory Council, and a Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council member.

The talk will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, 2 August at 407 Warrenheip Street, Buninyong.

It is free to attend, but registrations are essential via bit.ly/3XXKxmz. A bushfood-inspired supper will be provided by Kittelty’s.

The Connecting to Country project has been funded by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and has already seen Napoleons Primary School pupils create flora and fauna posters for the Yarrowee River, in Wadawurrung language, at Scotchmans lead.

A storytelling event with Wadawurrung man Barry Gilson is set to be held on Mount Buninyong.