Action Group to host caring for sea country event

THE Jan Juc Coast Action Group (JJCA) is hosting a free community event next week to support engagement with Traditional Owners and to continue their care for sea country.

The September 3 event at Bird Rock Lookout in Jan Juc will be headlined by a walk, listen and learn session with Wadawurrung woman, Corrina Eccles, who will share her culture and connection to the land.

The walk with Ms Eccles will be held in conjunction with a 45-minute working bee and an AGM to elect JJCA group leaders for 2023/24.

JJCA president Luke Hynes said the event will give locals an opportunity to gain knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture.

“We actually got the idea to do something like this through a few of our members attending a Coastcare workshop at Deakin University recently with Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Ash Skinner.

“It inspired us to do something of our own so we can better promote caring for our incredible coastline.

“We are really looking forward to having Corrina down to share her expertise and connection to Wadawurrung Country.

“It’ll give everyone an opportunity to share their love for the environment, learn more about it and promote how we can look after it.”

Established in 1994, the Jan Juc Coast Action Group preserve and care for the natural environment spanning from the third-tier car park of Jan Juc Beach to the concrete wave landmark at Winkipop.

JJCA was the first recognised coastal action group in Australia.

The working bee will kick off at 9:30am and be followed by the AGM at 10:15am.

Walking will commence from Bird Rock Lookout at 10:30am.

A light lunch and refreshments will be provided on the coastal reserve after the walk.

RSVP by August 30 to Rebecca Hull at [email protected].