Traditional Owners acknowledged in Malmsbury

Published on 18 September 2020

New cultural signage has been installed at Malmsbury Common Reserve in conjunction with Djandak, the business enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation. 

Director Planning and Environment, Angela Hughes said during the development of the Malmsbury Common Reserve Master Plan a desire was expressed by the community to have Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners acknowledged and reflected in the reserve.  

“This provided the impetus to initiate dialogue between Malmsbury Landcare, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and Council officers to explore ways that this could occur,” Ms Hughes said. 

Through Djandak, Dja Dja Wurrung people worked with Malmsbury Landcare to develop the design and content of the signs, which have now been installed. 

The signs speak to the values of the Djaara people as reflected in place, the waterway and specific food and fibre plants that you would find there.  These include the Dja Dja Wurrung Djaa-ndak-i (Welcome to Dja Dja Wurrung Country), the Kapa Gatjin (Knowing Water) and the Manya (Meeting Place, a Cultural Place). 

Six interpretative signs are located along the trail - Buwatj, Witji, Gitawil Matom, Murna, Dhurrung Wurrkuk and River Mint. These provide information on how plants were used and how people are together relearning their cultural importance. 

The sign locations will capture displays of plants, some of which are already in situ, others are yet to be planted and will be developed over time.  “Council invites the whole community to come, enjoy this space and engage with Traditional Owners through the signs,” Ms Hughes said. 

For more information, visit the Malmsbury Common Reserve page.