Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Indigenous tales of the past build pathways to the future
Oral histories of the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal people of northern Victoria are at the centre of a project to celebrate the diverse values of the Goulburn and Broken rivers between Shepparton and Mooroopna.
The RiverConnect project is recording the recollections of the Aboriginal Elders who once lived on the extensive river flats between the two towns. This particularly includes their memories of the region's previous natural and cultural values.
Their recollections will be a reference point for the redevelopment and restoration of the area, set to be transformed by extensive replanting, new walking trails and signage. A major interpretive centre will be a focus for celebrating local Aboriginal culture.
Funding
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) received assistance for RiverConnect from the Australian and State Governments. Support has also come from the City of Greater Shepparton, the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Fairley Foundation.
Activities
City of Greater Shepparton's Community Strengthening Coordinator Dennis Wapling said RiverConnect was born from discussions between the council, the Goulburn Broken CMA and other key natural resource managers, Aboriginal leaders and educational organisations.
He said a highly regarded member of the Yorta Yorta, Lois Peeler, was in the process of recording the oral histories.
"The Yorta Yorta people have strong historic and cultural links to the area's river flats, between where Shepparton and Mooroopna now stand," he said.
"We want to capture this history as a way of recognising local Aborigines' physical and spiritual connection to the land and river systems.
"We'll use that knowledge to redevelop the area and hopefully create a landmark interpretive centre that will provide job opportunities for Aboriginal people and members of the wider community."
A master plan for RiverConnect will outline the various elements of the project, such as the interpretive centre which is seen as a future drawcard for national and international tourism.
Achievements
Dennis said RiverConnect would be an important mechanism for reconciliation.
"The Greater Shepparton region is home to Australia's largest Aboriginal grouping outside any metropolitan area, comprising 10 per cent of our entire population," he said.
"Through RiverConnect we can celebrate our history and this marvellous asset, the Goulburn-Broken river system, and learn to protect and enhance it for the future."
More information
- Neville Atkinson, Goulburn Broken CMA: (03) 5820 1127 or nevillea@gbcma.vic.gov.au
- Dennis Wapling, Coordinator Community Strengthening, City of Greater Shepparton: (03) 5832 9700 or dennis.wapling@shepparton.vic.gov.au
- City of Greater Shepparton
- Goulburn Broken CMA
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