DJAARA to build one of the biggest yabby farms in the southern hemisphere on Djandak Country

Brendan Foster Published May 19, 2023 at 11.46am (AWST)

business

Image: WA Department of Wester and Environmental Regulation

Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation is planning to build one of the biggest yabby farms in the southern hemisphere on Djandak Country in northern Victoria.

The yabby farm is part of a new food and fibre enterprise being launched by Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) called DJAKITJ, which means 'dining room' in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

Construction of the farm, situated around an hour's drive from Bendigo, will start in the second half of this year, with the first yabby expected to be plucked from the ponds in late 2024.

The farm will feature 50 yabby ponds, a broodstock and hatchery facility as well as research and development areas for both aquaculture and native plants and bush foods.

Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter said DJAKITJ was not only building one of the largest yabby farms ever seen in Australia, but it was also developing several projects around native Australian ingredients.

"This is a significant milestone for us," Mr Carter said.

"For the first time, DJAARA has invested its own funds - $1.6 million - to buy our own land back so we can set up this exciting business.

"The enterprise has been a long-held dream. DJAKITJ is all about dhelkunya being – nourishing the body."

Mr Carter said the farm would create economic opportunities for the Dja Dja Wurrung people as well as jobs for First Nations people.

He was also delighted that the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) is pouring $3.5 million into DJAKITJ which will strengthen the Dja Dja Wurrung people's connection to Country.

"Support from the ILSC has been crucial. Not only have they made the operation possible; they have guided DJAARA through the process," he said.

ILSC Group chief executive Joe Morrison said his group was proud to assist First Nations people with the return and management of their Country.

"This is a fantastic achievement for DJAARA who have worked hard to bring this project to life," he said.

"This project is particularly exciting for us as it demonstrates the ILSC's ability to partner in bringing lands and waters back together through the return of water rights to Dja Dja Wurrung People."