New signboard gives state park dual name

KOOYOORA State Park has been given a dual name on new signage erected last week.

Dja Dja Wurrung flagged naming of the park as Guyura when it unveiled redevelopment plans in December 2021 as a more accurate spelling of the traditional name.

DJAARA chief executive officer Rodney Carter said: “DJAARA looks forward to commencing upgrade works at Guyura (Kooyoora) State Park now that the flood recovery works are nearing completion.

“The new signs bring Dja Dja Wurrung culture into the jointly managed parks in a way that welcomes visitors.”

The park re-opened last month after some roads and tracks damaged in October’s floods had been repaired.

Mr Carter said DJAARA’s delivery team had started manufacturing the infrastructure in preparation for construction of new structures at the park.

“We look forward to releasing further information about commencement of construction of the planned upgrade at Guyura State Park,” he said.

“DJAARA will use a staged approach to the delivery of the plans to minimise the disturbance to visitors.”

Parks Victoria supports DJAARA to implement the Dhelkunya Dja Joint Management Plan for Dja Dja Wurrung Parks. Guyura (Kooyoora) State Park is one of six parks and reserves on Dja Dja Wurrung country that have been handed back to DJAARA to manage jointly with Parks Victoria for the benefit of the community. No date has been set for a start on work.

Flowering comedy of marriage

AN AMUSING and poignant play about the nature of marriage and the pursuit of happiness will be performed in Boort next Thursday.

Wallflowering, by award winning Australian playwright Peta Murray, has been brought to central Victoria by Bendigo Venues and Events with the Boort show one of four during the week.

“Partnerships of all persuasions work best when they support one another’s magnificent metamorphoses over the long haul and make space for both to live the fullest expression of themselves across the life course,” said Peta.

This performance directed by Denny Lawrence stars Jenny Seedsman (House Husbands, Blue Heelers, Neighbours) as

Peg Small, Dennis Coard (Ride Like a Girl, Home and Away, City Homicide) as Cliff Small, and World Dance Council champions Rhett and Emma Salmon as the younger ballroom dancing couple.

Wallflowering revolves around the lives of Peg and Cliff Small, an ordinary, suburban, middle-aged couple who were once prize-winning ballroom dancers. The action is interspersed with ballroom dancing by a younger couple, who represent not only Peg and Cliff in their glory days, but also the older couple’s romantic, idealised view of themselves.

The synopsis says there is great comedy and pathos in the exploration of Cliff and Peggy’s “ordinary” lives as they reflect on their marriage.