MURNONG INDIGENOUS GARDEN: PRESIDENT’S 1st ANNUAL REPORT 2020

Some two years have elapsed since, the concept of the former Croquet Club site becoming an Indigenous Garden was first put to me by Millicent Roberts. During that period a small group of local residents formed a Working Group, met regularly, and have undertaken initial planning to develop the site into an educational and cultural asset for Lismore.

The land being owned by the Corangamite Shire Council required meeting with Council officers to discuss the possibility of establishing a garden on the site. Subsequently, a proposal was developed outlining the scope of the project outlining its aims and objectives. This was forwarded to Council as a submission for occupancy of the site.

The Working Group incorporated as a legal entity and not for profit organisation. At its first formal meeting President: Prof Colin Bourke; Vice – President: Millicent Roberts; Secretary: Val Lang; and Treasurer Chris Lang were elected as office bearers.

A formal presentation was made to the Corangamite Council in November 2019 regarding the indigenous garden concept and Council agreed to lease the site to Murnong in the short term. Waddawurrung Aboriginal Corporation, the traditional owners of the land, supported the proposal as did the SW Region of Victorian Department of Education, the Lismore School, and various community individuals and groups. Meetings were also held with Berrybank and Stockyard Hill wind farms representatives regarding possible financial support.

2020 has certainly provided plenty of challenges for the office bearers of Murnong Indigenous Garden Inc.. The Covid restrictions prevented gatherings but many meetings and consultations were held via Zoom.

During May 2020, Murnong was successful in obtaining a $500 grant from Reconciliation Victoria. Murnong attracted the support and services of Greenaway Architects, an Aboriginal owned architectural firm based in Carlton. Mr Jefa Greenaway facilitated several Zoom meetings with his staff, Wadawurrung representatives and Murnong members to provide conceptual stimulus to the project.

This resulted in a number of possible garden designs being considered and one being chosen for development. A funding submission has been developed to seek support to advance the garden over the next three years.

Despite Covid restrictions Murnong has been eager to involve the local community. During November NAIDOC week Murnong presented two Aboriginal authored books to the Lismore Primary School students.

A smoking ceremony was conducted on November 26. Waddawurrung traditional owner, Ms Corrina Eccles, smoked and purified the land in preparation for work to commence. Lismore Primary school teachers and students attended, along with Corangamite Council staff and Lismore community members.

On November 28, Murnong members participated in a street market running a sausage sizzle, and bric a brac stall to raise funds and our profile in the community. The preferred Murnong Garden design was on display and attracted a great deal of interest and favourable comment.

I wish to thank the Murnong committee members, Waddawurrung Aboriginal Corporation, Corangamite Shire Council and staff, Lismore Primary School and the Lismore community for their support throughout the year.

Prof. Colin J. Bourke, MBE,