Community
7 February, 2025
Residents reflect on Indigenous history
RESIDENTS took a moment to reflect on the Indigenous history of Djargurd Wurrung Country at a special picnic last Sunday.
Attendees brought blankets, picnic baskets and some activities to enjoy the warm weather at the Wombeech Puyuun Reconciliation Park, while also taking the opportunity to view informative displays around the park.
South West Reconciliation’s Chris Warren said he was pleased to see a “diverse group of 50 people” at the newly-formed group’s first event.
“The aim was to bring together community members who live on Djargurd Wurrung Country to reflect on the enormous time-scale of indigenous custodianship of the land,” he said.
“The picnic site at Woombeech Puyuun Reconciliation Park was chosen specifically because of its under-utilisation and current state of disrepair, which was recognised by many in attendance as perfectly symbolising the history of dispossession and resilience of the First Peoples of the region and the slow steps taken towards reconciliation.”
The picnic saw Camperdown and District Historical Society’s Bob Lambell provide a talk on the history of the Wombeech Puyuun Reconciliation Park, and the impact of colonisation on the Djargurd Wurrung people.
Displays included a banner for people to write their reflections about the future of people living on country together to encourage reconciliation at a grass-roots level.
Read More: Camperdown