Playing with Time

The Muogamarra Sanctuary (founded 1934) and now known as Muogamarra Nature Reserve has a long Aboriginal and European history. For the purpose of recent history this document focusses on the European history with Mr John Duncan Tipper recognising it as a place of great significance for flora and fauna which should be protected for future generations. Indeed, the word Muogamarra is an Awabakal word meaning “preserve for the future “ . Mr Tipper along with his many volunteers researched and recorded the geography, natural resources and cultural history of Muogamarra. He was the first fire captain of Muogamarra and implemented fire management plans to ensure the sanctuary remained available for future generations. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service became caretakers of Muogamarra in 1969. In the 1970's The NSW Department of Education was asked to establish the first Environmental Education Centre in the state and the school became known as Muogamarra Field Studies Centre. This has now changed to Gibberagong Environmental Education Centre. To protect the natural and unique nature of Muogamarra Nature Reserve it is only open to the public for 6 weekends a year during spring so people can experience the beauty of the bush with the abundant flowers in full bloom. There are sweeping views of the Hawkesbury River overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge from Tipper's Lookout with many photographs in this document reflecting how Muogamarra has changed over time.

When looking through the images, think about Muogamarra in the past and the present. How has Muogamarra changed over time?

• What did the bush like and what does it look like now?

• How were the roads constructed? How are they maintained today?

• How do you think fire was managed in such a remote location? How is fire managed today?

• How were people dressed for bushwalking and maintenance of Muogamarra?

• How do you think Mr Tipper and his volunteers would have collected information about the plants and animals at Muogamarra?

• How do you think the buildings were built at Muogamarra given it's remote location?

• Do we still use Muogmarra in the same way people did in the past?

• How has the landscape changed over time?

• What kind of wildlife do you think people would encounter at Muogamarra today and in the past?

• How do you think water is stored at Muogamarra?