‘Dhaagun Wirimbirra’ Cultural Immersion Day
'Taking Care of the Land’ whole-of-community
Capacity building - LEP_23-020_RLC09
The issue
The aim of the event was Growing connections in community whilst ‘taking care of the land’ through a whole-of-community interactive day to learn and share Wiradjuri culture via immersion activities with local Wiradjuri Elders and knowledge holders, supported by landcare volunteers and staff.
The solution
On a gloriously sunny autumn Saturday, 28th March 2026, 110+ people gathered in Bungambrawatha (Albury) for the ‘Dhaagun Wirimbirra’ Community day at Mungabareena Reserve. This spectacular reserve is a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’ due to its significant location for ceremony on the banks of the Murray River, its natural beauty and cultural heritage as well as being a very popular public recreation space.
Making the most of the shade of the River red gums, the cultural immersion workshops focused on Wiradjuri Art, language, tools & artifacts, boomerang and spear throwing, bush food & medicine, and weaving. There was even some live music, a fire-pit and picnic-blankets. Each activity wove stories, nature and connection into the experience. BYO Picnic lunches were supplemented with a range of delicious bush-tucker inspired treats including finger-lime jam drops, wattle-seed brownies, lemon myrtle meringues, desert quandong jam drops and wattle-seed damper.
The pace of the day was relaxed with a mixture of passive and active activities. Participants were able to move around the different set-ups at their own pace, chat with and learn from the knowledge holders, spend time forming connections, learning new skills and exploring culture. A few sessions like Welcome to Country with Aunty Edna Stewart, Wiradjuri language with Aunt Ruth Davys and art with Uncle Darren Wighton were scheduled to give some structure.
The impact
The atmosphere over the five hours was one of celebration, social cohesion and community. The most asked questions was “when can we do it again?”
Hosted by Holbrook Landcare Network and supported by Woolshed Thurgoona Landcare, West Hume Landcare and Corowa District Landcare, the event was made possible thanks to funding from the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).
The day would not have been possible without the endorsement, co-operation and support by Dyiraamalang Wiradjuri Elders group, Albury District Local Aboriginal Land Council staff and board, and local Aboriginal businesses and individuals and Woolshed Thurgoona Landcare volunteers. Many of whom gave generously of their time, ideas, connections and networks to bring everyone together and participate in the success of the day.
Key facts
- Bungambrawatha (Albury)
- Wiradjuri country
- 113+ participants
- Cultural immersion workshops
- 7 presenters
- active & passive spaces