The Ocean Grove Spit has been officially named Bukareeyoo, which recognises Wadawurrung language returning to a special part of the Ocean Grove coastline.
The Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation gave the area the Wadawurrung word Bukareeyoo, which means ‘between’ and identifies how it sits between the ocean and the river.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Mary Shuttleworth said the area was culturally significant, with generations of people gathering, connecting and feasting there.
“My Spirit lifts and my connection to Country deepens when I hear Wadawurrung Language, the mother tongue of my Ancestors spoken on Wadawurrung dja (Country),” she said.
Barwon Coast and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation will hold a sunrise ceremony on Saturday, August 26.
Barwon Coast chief executive Gary McPike said he was “delighted” to celebrate the official return of Wadawurrung language to Country.
“We believe the new name will help educate our communities, campers and visitors about Wadawurrung stories and their long history of caring for the coast,” he said.
“At Barwon Coast, we recognise and celebrate the marine and coastal environment of the southern Bellarine Peninsulas as the traditional lands and sea Country of the Wadawurrung people.
“Working collaboratively with Wadawurrung to protect the cultural heritage of this area is a core focus of Barwon Coast’s primary strategic planning document, the Barwon Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan 2020-2025.
“We are also committed to helping to achieve the aspirations of Paleert Tjaara Dja – Let’s make Country good together 2020 – 2030, Wadawurrung Country Plan, and understand the importance of language to Wadawurrung people and working together to keep Wadawurrung Country healthy.”
Barwon Coast conducted an online survey from late 2022 to early 2023, which welcomed community feedback on the name Bukareeyoo, with many residents supporting the proposed name.
