New water strategy celebrated

A NEW water strategy has been officially launched by Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and water industry partners.

The Strategy is entitled Dhelkunyangu Gatjin, which translates as ‘working together to heal water.’

An enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, DJANDAK, is seeking to work with local water agencies to manage the resource.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter said development of the strategy is significant.

“It gives me immense pride to officially launch this strategy,” he said.

“Dja Dja Wurrung People have a cultural obligation, passed down from our ancestors, to care for water and ensure it is healthy as it flows downstream to neighbouring mobs.”

The strategy was released in June and since then stakeholders have been developing initiatives which use Dja Dja Wurrung techniques to manage water.

“Through Dhelkunyangu Gatjin we are working in partnership with water authorities and the community to apply 60,000 years of knowledge and culture to water management,” said Mr Carter.

“Today is also a celebration of ngaldurrong yana [walking together].

“We are thrilled that our water industry partners have committed to working with us, to heal water and heal country for the benefit and healing of all.”

Following the signing of DJAARA’s 2013 recognition and settlement agreement with Victorian Government, Dja Dja Wurrung people obtained a right to have a say on water management on their traditional lands.