Cleaning up to care for country

IN light of last week’s Survival Day Dawn Ceremony, Shani Cain reflected on January 26 and how her network could best pay their respects to Wadawurrung country and First Nations Peoples.

“Because there were no protests in Ballarat, we wanted a way for people of all ages, ethnicities and community groups to come together and show solidarity with First Peoples,” she said.

“A few friends and I thought a clean-up of Yaramlok, the Yarrowee River, is the perfect way to physically show up, put our words into action, show solidarity and support, and care for country the way that they do.”

From 10am on Sunday, about 50 local volunteers met between the Prest Street bridge and Redan Wetlands to clear the waterway and surrounding reserve of rubbish.

“Typically the things we’ve found the most are plastic bags. They clog the waterways, they clog the plants together, and they’re a real hazard for animals and wildlife.

“There are trollies lodged into the waterway, and clothing, which means there’s lots of continuous dumping which is really disappointing,” Ms Cain said.

“There’s rubbish that’s been here for a long time, but there’s brand new rubbish as well, which is indicative of how much we show disrespect to country.”

The working bee began with a smoking ceremony and stories from Wadawurrung traditional owner and poet, Barry Gilson.

He recited his piece, The Potkorok from Yaramlok, about the “monster from the billabong” who owns the waters.

“Yaramlok means gum tree in the water, and Yarrowee means fire along the water,” Mr Gilson said.

“This is a significant part of a big story that goes way back. People celebrated here, walked along the creek, hunted here, and it was their water food-source for thousands of years.

“A clean-up like this is invaluable. Working together, we’re sharing in a story for the future generations, leading the way, and showing people that we don’t want to live in a tip. We want to beautify the place and get it back to what it was.”

Ms Cain is not only a conservation and sustainability advocate, but the CEO of youth-run international development organisation, Oaktree.

Enjoying working and living in Ballarat amongst green spaces like the Yarrowee River Flora and Fauna Reserve, she suggests some simple pollution solutions.

“People use this communal space every day. If you’re coming for a walk down here, bring a bag and pick up what you see on your way.

“Reject single-use plastic. Bags and straws are having a huge impact on the environment here,” she said.

“Join local groups like the Friends of the Yarrowee River, join Clean-Up Australia Day, and plant trees for your birthday.”