State and local government representatives last week visited the Upper Coliban Reservoir to see recent upgrades, which celebrate First Nations history and geography of the area.
The upgrades included the construction of a new shelter, known as a Mayam, and a walking trail, called Djangi Walendjak.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was “wonderful” for Macedon Ranges locals and visitors to be able to go and learn.
The site features paths and landscaping adjacent to the spillway, as well as interpretive signage telling stories and sharing knowledge of the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples.
According to a government statement, the site also features black glass incorporated into the concrete slab, “to represent the tachylite mine that was submerged by the formation of the reservoir”.
“Tachylite is a rock that was used by Dja Dja Wurrung peoples for making flaked stone tools,” the statement said.
Djandak, a subsidiary of Djaara – formerly the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation – designed the Mayam using traditional shapes, also incorporating natural materials and landscaping.
“Local sandstone and bluestone has also been used in the landscaping and local timbers used as structural beams in the shelters and toilets,” the statement said.
“The plants have been selected due to their traditional significance to the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples through their use as food and fibre plants.”
Coliban Water partnered with Djaara in the upgrade, and Ms Thomas said it was “another great example of two corporations working together to acknowledge Indigenous history and culture in the region”.
Djandak Enterprise economic development general manager Steve Jackson said the Coliban River and surrounding areas were significant for the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
“This project has been a great opportunity to have Djandak staff on Country building this important infrastructure,” Mr Jackson said.
Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells said the corporation “loved partnering on country with Djaara”.
“To ensure that their history and culture is visible in the landscape so that we may all learn and share understanding,” he said.
