New app connects community, culture and conservation

BELLARINE Catchment Network (BCN) has partnered with the Wadawurrung to develop an app that explores the Caring for our Bays species through the eyes of the area’s Traditional Owners.

The free Bay Country app, supported by the state government through the Port Phillip Bay Fund, showcases BCN’s 10 hero species chosen to increase community awareness about the negative impact of litter on wildlife.

Users can learn interesting information about each species such as their breeding habits, ecological facts, distribution around Port Phillip and Corio Bay and the impacts that humans have on each species.

As well as educating the community about the negative impacts of litter on marine life, Bay Country introduces users to Wadawurrung language and culture.

Users can learn some Wadawurrung words with an acknowledgement of country in Wadawurrung language, followed by an English translation.

Each Caring for our Bays hero species is recognised with its Wadawurrung language name, along with an explanation of its cultural connection to the Wadawurrung people and Wadawurrung Country and waters.

BCN filmed a short video to launch the Bay Country app alongside Wadawurrung woman, Corrina Eccles, who conducted a smoking ceremony to open the launch and shares her Wadawurrung knowledge and perspectives throughout the video.

“It’s wonderful news that we are ready to release the Bay Country app,” BCN president Graeme O’Leary said.

“I consider this a real milestone for BCN and a great educational option, not only for schools and our members, but also for the broader community in our long and exciting journey to connect those of us who live on the Bellarine to country. We feel very proud and privileged to be able to partner with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in the development of the Bay Country app as part of our Caring for our Bays Hero species project.

“This educational and informative app is designed for everyone, of all ages to connect with what surrounds us through Wadawurrung language, culture and traditional uses and to develop new perspectives, understanding, and appreciation for our local environment.”

The Bay Country app is available now to download through the Apple and Android app stores.

To see the launch video, head to the Bellarine Catchment Network’s Youtube channel – youtube.com/user/BCNBELLARINELANDCARE.