Surf Coast Shire Council has engaged the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) to provide traditional land management services.
WTOAC’s Gobata Dja, or Caring for Country team, carried out revegetation and erosion work at Djarrak or Bells Beach last week in an arrangement that was the first of its kind for the Council.
WTOAC chief executive officer Liam Murphy said he was proud of the team’s achievements in protecting and healing places that had been cared for by Wadawurrung people for many years.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support of Surf Coast Shire Council and allowing for the opportunity for Wadawurrung Traditional Owners to once again care for Country,” he said
Natural Resource Management manager Chris Fagan said the Djarrak or Bells Beach project was a “massive milestone for Wadawurrung”.
“It is a special place for our Mob,” he said
“Building on an already great relationship with the Surf Coast Shire Council allows us to be back out on Dja looking after it, so in return it will then look after us and everyone that enjoys it.”
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Liz Pattison said the Wadawurrung people cared for the lands, waterways, and creatures for many years.
“It’s so important that sites of cultural and environmental significance like Djarrak are protected for generations to come,” she said.
“Engaging Gobata Dja to undertake land management work on Country supports Wadawurrung co-management of land and self-determination of Traditional Owners managing their Country.”
Works support the delivery of WTOAC’s Healthy Country Plan, or Paleert Tjaara Dja, and the vision of all people working together to strengthen Wadawurrung Country and culture.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority supports the project, and the WTOAC has plans to undertake similar services at other sites of Wadawurrung cultural significance.
