General News
20 March, 2026
Residents invited to learn Indigenous history
MOUNT Leura’s Volcanic Education Centre will host a special presentation from Camperdown and District Historical Society vice president Bob Lambell on the history of the local First Nations peoples.
The Friends of Mount Leura committee will host the Djargurd Wurrung: Footprints and Remembrance session on Tuesday, March 24 to celebrate the ongoing connection between the Mount Leura committees and the First Nations peoples of the district.
Friends of Mount Leura committee member Graham Arkinstall said the session was one of many activities hosted by Friends of Mount Leura each year.
“Because of the strong connection the Mount Leura committee has had with First Nations people for a long time, the Friends of Mount Leura thought it would be a really good idea to learn a bit more about our local First Nations history and culture,” he said.
“There’s always been a desire to learn more and have more interaction and connection with the First Nations peoples and culture for that project.
“The Friends of Mount Leura picked up on that and asked Bob Lambell to provide that information for us.
“We’re hoping people will take away a deeper understanding of the local First Nations history, connection and opportunities for us to move forward to further develop the broadening of that connection.”
Mr Arkinstall said the decision to reach out to Mr Lambell was simple due to his avid interest in First Nations culture and history.
“Through his long-term connection at the Camperdown and District Historical Society, Bob has come into contact with a lot of information which he has read and is happy to share,” he said.
“He gave a really interesting talk about James Dawson and family on the Walk for Truth at the Camperdown Cemetery last year.
“That was a First Nations activity Bob was invited to attend and present at because he has an enormous amount of respect given to him by Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation and the Aboriginal community as well as other local First Nations people.
“They respect Bob’s knowledge, truth-telling and his preparedness to share and inform.”
Mr Arkinstall said he spoke with the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, who were excited with the amount of interest already generated for the event.
“A regular for us at our NAIDOC Week celebrations for the last six years, Brett Clarke, is planning to attend,” he said.
“What we’re also hoping to get out of the night is the ability for cultural exchange to take place and the opportunity for people to meet with each other and share their thoughts and experiences.
“It’s an exciting night which we’re looking forward to people attending because it will be a really interesting night.
“I honestly don’t think a lot of people locally know much about our local First Nations history.
“It’s an opportunity for people to broaden their knowledge and understanding.”
The free event will have tea, coffee and supper provided and will be expected to run from 7-8.30pm.
Numbers are limited to 30 people, and residents interested in attending are encouraged to contact Mr Arkinstall on 0418 377 293 to RSVP.
Read More: Camperdown