Saving an Aboriginal scar tree
Saving an Aboriginal scar tree
Whilst controlloing Cats Claw and other riparan headwater weeds a very large Red Gum tree was identified. It had a scar 3.5m up the tree and facing the river. It was later burnt out in a severe bushfire - but the tree fell into the river and the fire went out - with the scar intact and prodly sticking above water. What would we do?
Collaborations -
LP022-004
The issue
UCCL felt it important that this tree be recovered and placed in a protected safe area for future generations to connect with.
How do we approach the topic and opportunity? Is it our place or role to even suggest something could be done? Would the Aboriginal groups think the same? Would the two groups work together?
Knowing and respecting both communities we timidly broached the topic - front on; we think it's important - do you think it is, and would you like us to see if we can get financial support? But this is clearly not our project we are just here to try and get you support. After a number of small individual yarns over a month or so the answer came: Yes. Yes, and please try. Funds were received from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund
At an on-sight meeting and feed with Elders from both communities we were repeatedly asked "So what's your plan?"
The response was "not our project we have no plan - you make the decisions. We may have ideas, but it's your project".
The solution
The tree was finally successfully retrieved from the river and moved to a site chosen by the communities. Focus shifted onto how to keep the tree out of the weather and off the ground; How to best present it?
We suggested to use gabion baskets filled with rock from the area, and after a month or so all agreed.
The area was a significant turtle feasting area; Could we make a turtle structure from the gabions so the tree sat on top? YES - and a gabion manufacturer was approached for a design, and the gabions are now on their way
The impact
The project continues with Aboriginal workers and all are happy and engaged - What more could you ask for?