As a Taungurung Elder who has worked for his mob for two decades doing cultural surveys, Uncle Shane could probably write a book about what he’s seen and experienced out there in the field. Protecting cultural heritage is core to the work of any Custodians of Country and is a responsibility that is directly overseen by Elders. This is challenging work that can bring both highs and lows as Traditional Owners navigate the bureaucracy to safely locate, document, and protect items that help piece together the story of their People and their Culture, spanning thousands of years. Many people in the wider community know little about Aboriginal cultural heritage to be found anywhere in Victoria; nor their responsibilities under the Aboriginal Heritage Act or the immense work that goes on behind the scenes to retrieve and protect Aboriginal culture for future generations.  In this yarn with Uncle Shane, he helps us to understand how cultural heritage protection works in Victoria. His wish is that we get more people to value Aboriginal cultural heritage just as much as they seem to value the European heritage of Australia so that the Taungurung story and Culture is protected and celebrated.

Sharna Crosbie is the Cultural Experiences Development Manager at wawa biik. Sharna is not a First Nations person but feels honoured to work alongside the Taungurung community in her role.  With an extensive career in tourism development and marketing, Sharna has led the small but deadly wawa biik team, through what has been a slow and considered start-up journey to bring wawa biik to life.  We yarn with Sharna about her learnings and the importance of First Nations tourism.

Debbie’s melt in your mouth lemon myrtle cookies have become a much-loved staple of our wawa Euroa experience.  Debbie Redding of Debbie’s Delights has been baking delicious food for over 37 years but more recently has enjoyed learning and experimenting with Indigenous ingredients, including our delicious wawa biik morning teas. Deb grew up on Wurundjeri Land but has raised her family in the tranquil town of Yea, Taungurung Country. Her and her family love sitting around the fire, feasting under the stars, swimming in the river and watching the seasons change. As a small business owner living and working on Taungurung Country, taking part in the wawa biik partnership program has given Deb the opportunity to connect with Taungurung Elders and deepen her connection to the land. Deb’s philosophy is all about sharing good food, laughter and quality time on Country with family and friends – we are delighted to have Deb as part of our extended team.

Noah Honeysett is a proud Taungurung man, Collingwood supporter and recently became a Dad which means he can now share more of his Dad jokes! He’s always known his culture and been strongly influenced by the Koorie community around him.  Having worked off Country for most of his life, including a stint at a brewery, a chemist and as groundskeeper at a school, he’s found his calling working back on Taungurung Country, for and with his Community. Wealth in his eyes is not about money but about family, community and continuously learning.