By AIDAN KNIGHT
MOE’S Edward Hunter Bushland Reserve is now home to a new Indigenous yarning circle, erected in recognition of Moe’s rich ancestral history of the Gunaikurnai people.
The installation was made in collaboration between several community groups, led by the reserve’s asset management committee. Also working on the project were Koori students and teachers from Moe’s Elizabeth and South Street primary schools, who run a ‘Koori Club’ each week for students of Indigenous heritage to come together, learn about and discuss their culture under the mentoring of visiting aunties and uncles from within their community.
On the day of the official opening of the Yarning Circle (August 20), Elizabeth St students Millie and Brandon spoke to the crowd about the sense of pride they felt being able to honour their ancestors in this way, acknowledging those who have walked before them, and asked the onlookers to ‘reach to the sky’ to wave to those ancestors, before grounding one’s self by reaching down and touching the soil of the land on which they gathered. The actual area of the instalment was previously quite sloped and swampy, and required some earthmoving before the timber could be placed.
The installation was funded by Energy Australia, who were represented on the day by David Burt (also a former City of Moe councillor), as well as Thorpdale-based Ruslin timber who provided materials for the project.
The Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) provided cultural guidance, design input and construction support, with assistance from Local Elder Aunty Michelle Briggs.
Michael from GLaWAC said he was thoroughly excited to be a part of the project, both as an individual of his background and connection to the country on which it exists, and as an Aboriginal Corporation.
“This is the first yarning circle installation we’ve been able to be a part of,” he said, particularly noting the importance of each of the pillars of timber representing one of the five clans of Gunaikurnai.
The community input didn’t stop there however, as the preparation and treating of the timber, as well as the screwing of the tiles painted by the children to the posts, was kindly provided by the Moe Men’s Shed.
Each tile was painted as an individual piece by the Koori students at each of the primary schools.
The children were given the brief to paint “what it means to be Indigenous to them”.
Mr Burt noted before cutting the ribbon to officially open the circle how varied the artworks were.
“They’re all so individual, but I see a common theme of hands, sky, and Country, so that’s what these children identify as being important to them and that’s an important message I think”.
The new yarning circle now stands not only as a physical landmark in Edward Hunter Reserve, but also as a symbol of connection between generations past, present and future.
The circle is more than timber and tiles; it is a reminder of what can be achieved when community, culture and care for Country come together, to honour the five clans that looked after the land we stand on today.
