Borough hosting awareness of Country sessions

A PARTNERSHIP between the Borough of Queenscliffe and the region’s First Nations People is helping expand people’s connection to Country and history.

Wadawurrung education officer Ash Skinner hosts Cultural Awareness community training sessions that involve educational walks along the coast, beach and open parklands of Queenscliff.

The sessions, which start at the Queenscliffe Hub/Wirrng Wirrng, include a smoking ceremony, information about connection to Country, hidden sites, heritage management to Country, as well erosion control and the role of local vegetation including moonah trees and salt bush.

“It’s the appropriate spot to start as Wirrng Wirrng means ‘deep listen with both ears’,” he said.

Mr Skinner said the uptake in participation was reflective of community interest in the Wadawurrung people and the willingness of the borough to consult and be guided by Wadawurrung.

“I’ve noticed this massive shift in people’s understanding of what Indigenous people are, and then in the past couple of years I think people realised that it’s not just an ancient culture, it’s not just an ancient language, it’s that connection to Country.

“You go back three or four years and something like this wouldn’t really have happened.

“I would never have imagined that there was this much interest, where I’m having to go out to the Borough of Queenscliffe and develop these walking tracks and information.”

Borough mayor Ross Ebbels said the borough was actively strengthening its working relationship with the region’s First Nations people through initiatives including the cultural awareness sessions.

“These cultural awareness sessions are just one way that we can highlight the significance of their culture,” he said.

“There’s a real eagerness from our community to learn from the Wadawurrung and how we can utilise their knowledge to protect Country.

“These sessions also form part of the Wadawurrung Country pillar in our Climate Emergency Response Plan and the Wadawurrung priorities in our Council Plan.

“Together with the Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan we are currently developing, this allows us to take big strides in this area.”

To take part in a free session, phone the Borough of Queencliffe on 5258 1377