Junior Rangers and their families will be able to connect to Wadawurrung Country, with Parks Victoria’s first Connection to Country Wadawurrung Junior Ranger booklet, developed in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Wadawurrung woman and community engagement ranger Ebonee Cook wrote the educational resource, working alongside members of the Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Aboriginal Corporation.
“Developing this booklet has been a great accomplishment in my career with Parks Victoria,” Ebonee said.
“Collaborating with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation has provided the opportunity to educate others about Wadawurrung culture and the importance of caring for Country.
“This booklet is a reminder that Wadawurrung culture is strong. Wadawurrung People have cared for and sustainably managed these lands for thousands of years.
“However, caring for Country is something that everyone can do. Connecting others to culture, provides a sense of appreciation and contributes to a collaborative approach to looking after Country. If Country is healthy, we all benefit.”
Wadawurrung visual artist Jenna Oldaker’s artwork features throughout the booklet.
“As we travel across Wadawurrung Country from left to right, we can see Youang (big hill) region, kangaroo tracks, tree leaves, a platypus (Perridak), Bundjil the eagle (the spirit creator of Wadawurrung Country) returning boomerangs, and the symbol for fire,” she said.
“The top right-hand corner of the painting illustrates meeting place, a place where we all come together. The U shapes symbolise people, whilst the circles and lines illustrate journey paths.”
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation’s Chase Aghan said the booklet was a great way for the younger geenration to start a conversation about how Country is managed today.
