NAIDOC week celebration at Galada Tamboore
20th July 2022
By Emma Stone
On this chilly morning, 35 of us gathered at Galada Tamboore to celebrate NAIDOC week and appreciate - close-up - the importance of caring for country. Angela Foley, Special Engagement Programs Coordinator at the Merri Creek Management Committee, spoke to NAIDOC themes past and present. This year they are: 'Get up! Stand up! Show up!' She shared how MCMC and FOMC have valued the growing friendship and collaboration with Wurundjeri locals over the years.
We were reminded of how traditional custodians cared for this volcanic plain country. Tony Bracey and Chris Geary, from the Ecological Restoration Team, MCMC walked us through some of the progress made in regenerating Galada Tamboore. This involved:
- replacing invasive species (e.g., gorse with acacia paradoxa) while taking care to maintain small bird habitat;
- the ongoing massive task of removing woody weeds; and
- re-establishing local grasses.
They introduced us to the wondrous mini-ecosystems re-emerging on the Stony Knolls - they are their own Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC).
To finish, we were warmed by native river mint (Mentha australis) tea and snacks.
We left full of respect for this grassland - the dedicated care it has been receiving; its deep-time history; its resilience; and its subtle treasure and beauty.
Our next event at Galada Tamboore is is woody weed removal on Saturday 6 August - join us!
