Scarred tree stands proud

A CULTURALLY significant tree has found a new home in the heart of Geelong.

A deteriorating scarred tree has been restored and relocated at the City of Greater Geelong’s new central offices, Wurriki Nyal, in collaboration with Traditional Owners.

Scarred trees are named after marks left in their trunks from when First Nations stripped bark for a range of uses, such as canoe making.

The tree now in central Geelong is believed to pre-date European settlement.

Wadawurrung Traditional Owners agreed to the new location after a specialist arborist determined the tree was at risk of collapse without intervention.

Waduwurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation CEO Paul Davis said the cultural group was grateful for the city’s support.

“This is an old soul that Wadawurrung Elders wanted to save while still standing,” Mr Davis said.

“The current process of conserving scarred trees is taking place across many Traditional lands.

“This old Biyal (red gum) will now stand in the Wurriki Nyal Civic Precinct – a place where it is protected and can be safely viewed by all.”

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said he also welcomed the tree’s new home.

“It will be a tremendous honour to have it bear witness to the next chapter of our community’s civic history at Wurriki Nyal,” he said.

“We thank Wadawurrung Traditional Owners for sharing this precious part of their history with the people of Geelong.”

Meanwhile, 850 COGG staff are in the process of moving into the new civic precinct.

Wurriki Nyal‘s new centralised customer service centre is due to open on Monday (September 5).