Council celebrates Reconciliation Week with immersive Taungurung cultural experience

Several residents enjoyed wawa Euroa, a wawa biik Taungurung wawa biik o ers Taungurung-led cultural experiences across diverse biocultural landscapes of Taungurung Country. 'wawa biik’ means ‘hello country' in Taungurung language – both a recognition of the deep importance of Country to all Taungurung People and a warm invitation to the wider community to say hello to Country. wawa biik is owned and operated by the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC)

Cultural Experience at the Euroa Arboretum in honour of Reconciliation Week.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks attended the tour and said the experienced allowed her to immerse herself in the Taungurung story. “ e Taungurung story is one of resilience and inspiration that spans thousands of years,” Cr Binks said.

“I was incredibly honoured to learn about Taungurung cultural heritage, ceremony, the impacts of colonisation on Country.

“ e tour was also a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the next generation of Taungurung Culture.”

Resident Fiona Steel also took part in the experience and said it was fantastic to see the incredible partnership with the TLaWC and the Euroa Arboretum (the Arb).

“We are very lucky to have the wawa biik tours on our doorstep in Strathbogie Shire on Taungurung Country,” she said.

“ e Daanak Walking trail at the Arb with written and spoken language, using the QR codes for story and connection, is great.”

“It is de nitely something to send visitors to with a picnic; or book a wawa biik tour for a smoking ceremony, walk and talk, and great morning/ a ernoon tea.” e wawa biik experience includes a traditional Welcome Smoking Ceremony, followed by a guided walk along the daanak trail to share stories of seasonal native plant species and their uses for food, medicine, and cultural practice.

For more information, visit https://wawabiik.com.au/

Sam BIRRELL FEDERAL MEMBER FOR NICHOLLS

$3.5 Million in Flood Resilience Funding Secured

The Nagambie region was hit by unprecedented flooding in October and while communities are still recovering, work has already started on identifying works that could be done to mitigate future floods.

$3.5 million dollars has been secured in the first round of the Disaster Ready Fund and will help pave the way for bigger projects to build flood resilience across the region.

This first round aimed to fund projects which will help Councils and communities better understand what occurred and build a foundation of knowledge for developing projects to protect communities and critical infrastructure in the future. Part of the $3.5 million will go towards understanding flood inadequacies in road Infrastructure within the Mitchell Shire as well as $150,000 for a Flash Flooding and Storm Surges Strategy for Strathbogie Shire.

I continue to have regular discussions with government ministers about what will be required to better protect our communities in future and this billion-dollar fund over the next 5 years will aim to do that.

Stronger Communities Grants

Vale Max Perry – [1935 – 2023]

Well-known Nagambie identity, farmer and community stalwart Max Perry passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday June 10th at the age of 87 surrounded by his family.

Max was well-known for his tireless community service spanning over seven decades. He was an inaugural member of the Wirrate Rural Fire Brigade. Only 3 weeks ago, Max was awarded a 70-year service medal in recognition for his role as a volunteer re ghter and administrator for CFA District 22. At the presentation ceremony, with his family and a small number of CFA members present, Max was typically modest and humbled from his bed at Nagambie Healthcare. At the ceremony, Max’s daughter, Denise fondly recalled regularly venturing to the CFA headquarters in Shepparton with Max to pass on his advice and knowledge in ensuring the Nagambie region was well prepared and properly equipped for bush re events. Still sharp of mind, Max reminded all present at the small gathering to “keep punching” and stand up for need for vital services required for the regional community of Nagambie.

Max’s volunteer work for the community didn’t end with his committed service to the CFA. In his latter years, Max was a staunch advocate for Nagambie to receive an improved medical rst response service. is involved tireless campaigning at State Government level.

Max and the late Tim Purbrick were instrumental in establishing the Nagambie CERT and the two experienced regular trips to Spring St, lobbying politicians across the political spectrum for the need for improved rst response capability in the region. e Nagambie CERT was established as a volunteer group of trained community members in advanced rst aid and operated successfully for many years. As the town of Nagambie grew it soon became apparent that Nagambie required the presence of a fully-trained Paramedic Ambulance service and once again Max was at the forefront in lobbying for improved services. Max, along with others established the Nagambie Ambulance Service Community Alliance (NASCA) and this successful campaign eventually resulted in the presence of a fully-trained Paramedic service during peak requirement periods for Nagambie. is will be remembered as one of Max’s greatest legacies for our region and the Nagambie Community owes a debt of gratitude for his erce and uncompromising advocacy.

Max’s community involvements also extended periods of service with the St Joseph’s school board, Sacred Heart College (now St. Mary’s Seymour) school board, St Malachy’s Presbytery committee, Nagambie Landcare Group and the Nagambie Lions Club. He was also an integral part of the Nagambie Cropping Group that raised vital funds to reopen the Nagambie Hospital in the 1990’s.

Max was always supported by his wife Margaret (dec). He is survived by his daughter Denise, son-inlaw Sam Verrocchi and granddaughter Emma.

Recipients of the Stronger Communities Grants are beginning to be announced from the Federal Government and I had the opportunity to this week ring Goulburn Region Pre-School Association.

$15,000 will be received and will go towards two shade sails and structure to provide shade over new playground at Nagambie Kindergarten.

Avenel Football Club Training

I’m continuing my advocacy for governments to improve sporting club infrastructure and continuing to train with clubs across the electorate.

It was a privileged to train with Avenel Football Club this month. It’s always great to meet with clubs and hear what matters to locals. Sporting Clubs bring communities together and they must be given a hand up. Thanks for having me Avenel.

Sporting Champions Grants

Local Sporting Champions is an Australian Government initiative that helps young people pursue their sporting dreams.

This program is now open and provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

If successful, applicants can receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships. I encourage locals to apply and give youngsters a hand up in pursuing their sporting dreams. Applications close July 31, 2023.

Avenel Telecommunications

Following a community meeting with myself and Shadow Minister for Communications in Avenel I have been working with telecommunications organisations to help improve reception in Avenel and surrounds.

Earlier this month NBN and Telstra hosted a public drop-in session to hear directly from residents about their concerns.

While the mobile towers have been upgraded in Avenel and Avenel South, residents are yet to experience the benefits. Telstra is now looking into the issues raised and will analyse data and conduct testing to determine the issues.