TO celebrate National Reconciliation Week, the Aboriginal Landcarers of Ginninderra are organising a native planting at Gubur Dhaura, a traditional ochre quarry in the suburbs of Gungahlin. There is the opportunity to participate in the planting as well as interpretative walks, basket weaving and a hands-on ochre demonstration with cultural artefacts, led by Ngunnawal people.

“Gubur Dhaura is Ngunnawal for red ochre ground,” says Wally Bell, Director of Buru Ngunnawal Aboriginal Corporation and Coordinator of the Aboriginal Landcarers of Ginninderra.

“This place has been used by our people for many thousands of years and is still important to Ngunnawal people today. The Aboriginal Landcarers of Ginninderra want to raise community awareness about the cultural significance of the place and look after it into the future.

“The reconciliation week planting is the first step in a longer-term plan for restoring the area.”

“The Aboriginal Landcarers of Ginninderra is a new Landcare Group that has been formed over the last two years through a collaboration between Ginninderra Catchment Group and local Aboriginal people and organisations,” says Karissa Preuss, Coordinator of the Ginninderra Catchment Group.

“The Aboriginal Landcare Group are keen to share their knowledge of the important cultural heritage sites in the Ginninderra Catchment and also look after these places through restorative works. We have been fortunate to have support from Federal and ACT Government to enable the Aboriginal Landcare Group to form and operate.”

“Aboriginal Landcarers of Ginninderra are proud to be able to maintain our cultural sites in the area,” says Tyronne Bell, Thunderstone Aboriginal Cultural and Land Management Services and member of the Aboriginal Landcarers of Ginninderra.

“We hope more young Aboriginal people will join us in the Landcare Group to look after our important places. Everyone, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal are invited on Friday to come and learn more about Ngunnawal Culture and help us protect and preserve one of our cultural sites”.

The event will be held from 10:30am at Gubur Dhaura, Dianne Barwick St, Franklin (near the Gungahlin town centre). RSVP as light lunch is provided. Bookings essential. To book, contact Bronwyn at thunderstonemg@gmail.com.

[Photo by Dave Wong]