Cultural Connection
Cultural Connection
Collaboration improving river health and learning about native foods and crafts
Community Participation -
LP023-006
The issue
Moree Urban Landcare (MUL) is a recently formed Landcare group who strive to improve the riparian areas of the Mehi River in Moree, and provide the community with an opportunity to learn more about Aboriginal culture. In addition, native foods are being grown and harvested in the region, and the group wanted to showcase these foods whilst also sharing their knowledge of traditional arts and crafts.
MUL already has a 50% Aboriginal membership and all the non-member volunteers at their first tree planting event were Aboriginal. They hope to engage more non Aboriginal locals.
Northern Slopes Landcare Association auspiced the group to source Working Together funding to hold a Cultural Workshop and tree planting day.
The solution
Northern Slopes Landcare Association supported the group to source Working Together funding to hold a Cultural Workshop and tree planting day. Moree Urban Landcare then planned a combined tree planting and traditional weaving and twine making event with a traditional bush tucker meal supplied. The planting would be an adjunct to their existing planting in Jellico Park in Moree. Tree selections included two species that will be used at the workshop - for weaving Spiney Matt Rush, as well as Kurrajongs, the bark of which is used in traditional twine making.
Kerrie Saunders runs a business called Yinarr-ma that specialises in bush tucker tours and meals as well as the traditional weaving, twine and jewelry making. MUL engaged Kerrie to supply and prepare the meals, as well as to supply materials and instruction for weaving and string making.
We hope to have at least 25 people at our event made up of our local Landcare members and the local Aboriginal community using a hard copy flyer, social media and local radio advertising.
The impact
Around 20 attendees came along on the day, planting over 150 plants along the river, before being treated to a delicious lunch of muffins and burgers made with native bush tucker. Following lunch, there were displays of traditional tools, weapons and artwork to enjoy, before taking part in string making and weaving.
Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the day and left with a greater understanding of Aboriginal culture and heritage.
Key facts
- Spiny Matt Rush (lomandra longifolia) is traditionally used for Weaving - for example in baskets
- Kurrajong (Brachychiton populnius bark is traditionally used for string making
- Native millet is traditionally ground for flour and has the added benefit of being gluten free!