Explore Wadawurrung history, culture

JOIN Wadawurrung woman Shannen Mennen at the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections to explore Ballarat’s heritage through possum skin cloaks.

The event, which is a collaboration with Federation University, is part of Ballarat Heritage Festival.

The session will explore Wadawurrung peoples’ connection to Country and the significance of Waleert-Waleert or possum skin cloaks.

“We give them the name Waleert-Waleert which in our language literally means many possums but it’s also the word that we give to possum skin cloaks,” Ms Mennan said.

“Every person would have their own Waleert-Waleert. Their first possum skin would be gifted to them when they were about two months old or so and over time, they would actually add skins to the cloak.

“Each cloak was significant to the individual and something they would decorate and have with them their entire life.”

Ms Mennen said she hopes to broaden the community’s understanding of Wadawurrung culture and Ballarat’s origins.

“For a long time, we’ve been omitted from the history of Ballarat in many ways,” she said.

“When I was growing up within the schooling system, I was told that all Wadawurrung people had unfortunately died off and there was none left.

“I think it’s incredibly important that people have that broader understanding of the region.”

The session will be held on Saturday 17 and Friday 23 May. To purchase a ticket, visit the Sovereign Hill website.

Ms Mennen will also be at the Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections to discuss Wadawurrung Culture and Language on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 May.

The sessions are a basic introduction to Wadawurrung language including place names, greetings and body parts.