NEWS DESK Plan to ‘share’ trail Red hill to Bittern PLANNING is underway to link the existing Red Hill Rail Trail to a new trail running through Merricks, Balnarring and Bittern. Three concept designs have been drawn for a walkers, cyclists and horse riders to share a path between Bittern station and Merricks Station Reserve connecting with the existing seven-kilometre track. Mornington Peninsula Shire is holding an “interactive drop in session” to gather community feedback on the proposed route and design of the trail, including signs, pedestrian crossings, furniture, planting and materials. The mayor Cr Bryan Payne said council is committed to “developing a connected and mobile community through council’s bicycle and roadside Equestrian and mountain bike trails strategies. “This is a great opportunity to extend a shared trail from Red Hill to Bittern and encourage connected, active lives for our community members,” he said. Cr Kate Roper said “extending the rail trail will create a safe link between Bittern, Balnarring and Merricks and improve access and connections to the public transport network as well as providing further opportunity for connection of equestrian trails”. Members of the public wanting to have a say on the trail plan wan go to Balnarring Hall 5pm-7pm Wednesday 14 March or comment online from Wednesday 14 March at mornpen. vic.gov.au/haveyoursay. Submissions close Friday 13 April.
Nest an incubator for learning THE metal sculpture, right, representing the nest of Bundjil, the creator of the Boon Wurrung people, can now be seen as the incubator for knowledge about Aboriginal culture. The growth of interest in learning about the history and lives of the Boon Wurrung can be traced back to 2015 when teachers from Balnarring Pre-school, Balnarring Primary school and Balnarring early learning centre recognised the importance of the children learning about first peoples’ culture. “In the first year of the project a metal sculpture was created that represents Bundjil’s nest,” Karen Anderson of Balnarring Pre-School said. “The children spent time with elders and early childhood indigenous consultants who shared culture, stories, songs, dances and language. A community event was held to unveil the sculpture which resides in Robertson’s Park at Balnarring Beach and is the projects acknowledgment to Boon Wurrung Country.” In 2017 St Joseph’s joined the group and artist Christabel Wigley was hired to work with the children. Inspired by the children, Wigley sculpted an eagle to fly over the nest, which was unveiled last year. Growing interest in Aboriginal history has now led to a oneday Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee – or festival - being held at Balnarring Beach later this month. “The festival will involve a free program of musical entertainment, cultural workshops, children’s activities, food and market stalls and building of Bundjil’s nest,” Ms Anderson said. “Members of the community are invited to join us on this day and bring with them a message containing a message of hope and inspiration to the children and the land.” A week before the festival the film Westwind Djulu’s Legacy will be screened at Somers School camp cinema 6.30pm Saturday 17 March. Tickets can be bought through trybooking The Womin Djeka Balnarring Ngargee festival runs 10am9pm Saturday 24 March, Robertsons Park and Camping Reserve, Balnarring Beach. As well as live music there will be bush tucker walks, indigenous plants talks, weaving, didgeridoo meditation, spear throwing and art sessions for young and old. Camping is available and there will be yoga for families and a community breakfast 8am-11am. Details at www.facebook.com/Bundjil2018/ or email womindjeka.balnarring.ngargee@gmail.com
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Western Port News
6 March 2018
Picture: Gary Sissons