Walk Birrarung

Listen to the Wurundjeri Wandoon story of the Birrarung:

 

Transcript:

My name is Doreen Garvey-Wandin. I’m a Wurundjeri Senior Elder and Wandoon Senior Elder. Also, Director of both organisations. 

We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri people and other Kulin Nations, as the custodians of the lands across the Yarra Ranges on whose unceded lands our work in the community takes place. We pay respect to all Aboriginal community Elders, past and present, who have resided in the area and have been and always will be an integral part of the story of the region.

Art and Sole. Walking on Country, connecting with our history, nurturing our body, mind and sole.

Wurundjeri people call the Yarra river ‘ birrarung’ meaning ‘river of mists.’ It marks the centre of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung country, unlike today, where the river marks a township boundary. Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people saw it as the centrepiece, accessing both sides of the river, often falling a large gum tree, to act as a bridge across the water. The birrarung at pound bend offered an abundance of duat (fish),luk (eel) and duyang (yabbies). Woven eel traps were set at confluences, deep river estuaries, were excavated for breeding fish and rapids were extended to increase freshwater mussel yields. Evidence of the ancient fishing techniques can still be found, along the birrarung today.Water is a connection to creation and community, to bring peace & harmony. water is essential for life on Mother Earth.

Listen to the Olinda Creek historical narrative:

 

Olinda Creek, once called Running Creek, determined the location of the Lilydale Township as it provided a constant and reliable source of freshwater. 

Due to the topography of the town, the north flowing creek divided the town into two east and west. On the east well above the creek banks the town’s businesses and residences were established. The west side was flood prone and remained mainly paddocks until the 1890s when various drainage schemes were carried out.

The Olinda Creek’s waters were tapped for farming, Chinese market gardens, vineyards and David Mitchell’s Cave Hill Quarry. Races from the creek powered the water wheels of Cashin’s Flour Mill and Richard Hand’s tannery. A diversion also provided the town’s swimming baths with fresh water which flowed in one end and out the other end. 

Today most motorists driving along Main Street are not aware of the creek and its importance as a recreational area providing walking and cycling, fishing and picnic facilities for the community.