Wadawurrung cultural experience sessions held in Queenscliff

THE Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) recently conducted Cultural Experience Sessions in Queenscliff, as part of the long journey towards reconciliation and cultural understanding.

The sessions started at Wirrng Wirrng, where participants learned about the past and present experiences of Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

The group then moved to Queenscliff beach, where they were introduced to the ways the Wadawurrung people interact with and care for Country, including the uses of native flora and fauna.

Borough mayor Ross Ebbels said it had been a privilege to learn more about how the Wadawurrung people lived on and connected with the land.

“There is so much to be learnt and I look forward to growing my own cultural understanding of Wadawurrung history and people. It was a fascinating and insightful session, one I encourage everyone to participate in.”

These sessions are part of the Council’s broader commitment to reconciliation and its Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP).

The initiative began as part of the development of the Council Plan and CERP, where the community expressed a strong interest in improving relationships with Traditional Owners and gaining a deeper understanding of Wadawurrung culture.

This led to the creation and endorsement of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) by the borough, aiming to build meaningful relationships with First Nations people and foster an inclusive community.

A borough spokesperson explained: “One of the actions identified in our RAP is to conduct cultural awareness sessions with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to broaden knowledge of their culture and the land we live and work on, visit, and enjoy.”