Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria open site upgrade embedding culture in landscape

Jarred Cross Published August 11, 2023 at 4.00pm (AWST)

culture

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation have upgraded a camping a visitor site at Lalgambuk, in regional Victoria. (image: supplied DJAARA)

DJAARA chair and First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria seat holder Trent Nelson says an upgrade to a regional Victoria campground at a place of great significance to Dja Dja Wurrung history will embed Aboriginal knowledge will bring a new life to the site.

On Friday, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) officially opened their upgraded visitors site at Lalgambuk (Mount Franklin), five kilometres north of Daylesford.

The oral history and cultural significance of Lalgambuk dates back for 10,000 years

It's one of six Dja Dja Wurrung Country reserves handed back to the community for joint management between the Aboriginal corporation and the state government agency, and first Recreation, Cultural Practice and Customs (RCPC) delivered in co-management between the groups.

DJAARA enterprise and design consultancy DJANDAK completed the work in a partnership with Parks Victoria.

Lalgambuk upgrade opening ceremony on August 11, 2023. (Image: supplied, DJAARA)

DJAARA continues on with strides in developing land and facilities on country, most recently installing new signage Dja Dja Wurrung-design facilities, shelter and furniture at Lalgambuk.

Aside from the structures, Mr Nelson said the upgrade will serve a greater purpose.

"We are embedding Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge, language and culture back into the landscape at Lalgambuk, which is a very significant place for Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People)," he said.

'It's really important for Djaara to see ourselves in Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country).

And we are proud to share our Culture and Country with others.

RCPCs aim to open the wider community to Djaara culture.

Parks Victoria District Manager Stuart Lardner said it's a "wonderful" step forward.

"This project broadens that experience at Lalgambuk, with upgrades that encourage both short visits and overnight camping. Importantly, the upgrades also help visitors better understand the cultural landscape in which the visitor area sits," Mr Lardner said.

"This project is a wonderful example of Parks Victoria's commitment to Managing Country Together – a commitment to strong, meaningful partnerships with Traditional Owners."

The Lalgambuk upgrade was opened on August 11.