Everybody’s welcome at nifty new bushland hub

A NEW all-abilities visitor hub neatly tucked off Strathfieldsaye Road on Wildflower Drive in the Greater Bendigo National Park is now available to be enjoyed by the public.

The hub, designed and built by Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprise DJANDAK in partnership with Parks Victoria, includes a just-built picnic shelter and toilets, and an all-abilities boardwalk around a dam.

DJAARA’s acting manager partnerships and policy Harley Douglas hoped the works would encourage community members to spend more time in the bush.

“This new visitor hub is one of the outcomes of DJAARA’s Balak Kalik Manya – Walking Together project,” he said.

“The project aimed to improve the amenity of the environment around an urban area to help foster connection with Country.

“I’m really proud of the all-abilities access trail around the water. I think it’s important that everyone has an opportunity to get out in the bush and connect with Country regardless of (their) mobility levels.”

Parks Victoria area chief ranger Karen Doyle said she is excited for visitors to enjoy the new facility as they explore the park.

“The success of this project reflects the strong partnership between Parks Victoria and DJAARA, managing country together and delivering for the local community and visitors,” she said.

The visitor hub opening follows the recent opening of two other visitor facilities DJAARA has delivered in partnership with Parks Victoria, Larni Yirrip (Home of the Ironbark) Campground in the Bendigo Regional Park in Kangaroo Flat and the upgraded Argyle Spring Walk in Hepburn Regional Park.