Wangim Walk to feature Wadawurrung’s stories

THE latest feature on the Geelong waterfront will soon showcase the story of the land’s Traditional Owners.

The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has been granted $250,000 through the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund to create and install storyboards and a sculpture along the Royal Geelong Yacht Club’s wave attenuator, known as Wangim Walk.

The installations will help locals and visitors to understand the Traditional Owners’ connection to country by learning about the bay, the bay’s aquatic life, hills, and native surrounds from a traditional perspective.

The installations are expected to create increased visitation and economic activity within the area.

“Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation are excited to be given this opportunity to embed Wadawurrung story to all who journey across the water on the Wangim Walk,” Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles said.

“The Walk refers to the boomerang and walking along the attenuator gives you a beautiful view of Djilang, our mountain country the You Yangs, Moolap and much more.

“We can connect to story with what all will see in the Wadawurrung landscape while walking Wangim Walk.

“This is a vital step forward for Geelong to all learn the Wadawurrung history and stories of Wadawurrung Country and people, whether you are a resident or visitor.”

Royal Geelong Yacht Club Commodore Stuart Dickson said the support of the Victorian Government and Geelong MP Christine Couzens for the important project at Wangim Walk would provide all visitors with a new appreciation of the remarkable Aboriginal cultural heritage of the bay and region.

“Wangim Walk is already an incredibly popular and iconic feature on Geelong’s waterfront and the contribution of the Wadawarrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation to the visitor experience through these new artistic installations is highly valued by the club.

“We look forward to all visitors having the opportunity to engage with and learn from the history and stories of our First Peoples in Geelong as they venture out on Wangim Walk.”

Ms Couzens said she was delighted to announce the grant from the Community Support Fund.

“The storyboards and sculpture along the ‘Wangim Walk’ will promote understanding about the history, culture and traditions of the Wadawurrung people who are the traditional owners of the land,” she said.

“Visitors to Geelong are keen to learn about local Aboriginal history and culture. These installations will be a tourist drawcard.”