wawa biik features in a range of publications, websites and across news outlets as we highlight the Taungurung story alongside the experiences offered. Please see below for the latest features and interviews:
OVG Spring 2023 feature
Space Magazine (Herald Sun Liftout)
Euroa Gazette – Euroa Wayilak review
We love to take you behind the scenes to get to know our team. Brie Antonopoulos is a proud Taungurung woman who has worked with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council for three years and provides both on-ground support and marketing for wawa biik. With Taungurung heritage from her Mum’s side and Greek heritage from her Dad’s side she believes she has the best of both worlds. Brie affectionately describes growing up with three annoying brothers in Hampton on Bunurung Country. At one stage her and her brothers all worked together for TLAWC which was a proud moment. She admits that it has only been in the last four years that she has deeply connected to her Taungurung culture, thanks to her work. We had a yarn to learn more of her story.
The Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre, in the heart of Taungurung Country is not only an accredited Visitor Information Centre but is also a multi-faceted learning experience on the importance of water resources and wetland ecology. It features interpretive displays, a gift shop, room hire and local information inside but the main drawcard is what is to be found outside. They have 32 hectares of wetlands and walking trails on their back doorstep offering recreational and educational opportunities in this unique habitat.
With strong family ties to the Yea area, Aunty Angela ten Buuren (Franklin), along with her family members have been heavily involved in the wetlands committee over many years. They are passionate about sharing the Taungurung story of this place and embedding Taungurung perspectives and culture into both the visitor experience and management of this important ecosystem on Country.
We yarn with Aunty Angela about the Taungurung aspects that visitors can engage with at the Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre precinct, including the Franklin Trail, Taungurung art, Indigenous Garden, and new Taungurung art on display.
Tahbilk Winery Estate is well known for its wine but this place encompasses so much more. Few would know that the Estate boasts 1,214 hectares of river flats and a biodiverse wetland habitat that is a haven for wildlife. With the land and waring (Goulburn River) at the heart of all they do, Tahbilk is serious about protecting and regenerating the land. They are proud to have been certified Net Carbon Zero by Toitu Envirocare, are Certified by Sustainable Winegrowing Australia and have revegetated 180 hectares of land using native plants. Of course the story of tabilk-tabilk (place of many waterholes in Taungurung language) connects deeply to the Taungurung story and we are proud to partner with Tahbilk to share this story through the self-guided Indigenous Flora Trail and our wawa biik guided experiences. Lachie Thomas is Tahbilk’s Environmental and Vineyard Research Analyst who has the enviable job of working amongst this beautiful ecosystem on a daily basis and is behind many of these sustainability initiatives. We yarn with Lachie about all things work, wetlands and wildlife.
Australia is home to approximately 700 First Nations languages, most of which have been displaced since colonisation. Language is a key part of cultural identity and the Taungurung community is today proudly reviving their Taungurung language. Aunty Loraine Padgham – Taungurung Elder and Chair of the Taungurung Language Group, explains more about the revitalisation of the Taungurung language and provides us with 10 key words you too can learn and speak when on Taungurung Country:
Why is it important to heal the Taungurung language?
Our language is inextricably connected to our culture, our understanding of place and time. Embedded in our language is a story that is incomplete and needs to be reclaimed to be able to understand our ancestors, their way of life, the time in which they lived and their way of thinking.
What is the process for healing language?
Language revival of an oral language, that has not been spoken for many generations, has been a long and arduous task. From a collection of words and phrases recorded by early colonists, clergy, government officials and others, an analysis was undertaken to ascertain the sounds and pronunciation. These sounds were then represented by agreed community spelling principles. With the aid of linguistic techniques, an analysis of recorded phrases was undertaken to determine the underlying grammar of forming sentences. Many Taungurung Elders have contributed to our language reclamation to enable us to reach the point of being able to develop materials for future generations.
As a Taungurung Elder, how does it feel to speak revived Taungurung language on Country?
Developing a rudimentary skill of speaking basic Taungurung has been challenging and at the same rewarding. To be able to speak simple sentences and use words that have not been heard for many generations acknowledges those who came before us. It enables us to relate more closely with our ancestors by gaining an understanding of a thinking process that is quite different to English. It directly connects us with our country and history.
What is your hope for future of Taungurung language?
The hope is for members of community to have some understanding of the language. To be able to use simple greeting words, know the names of some plants and animals and have a knowledge of the meanings behind placenames. Each small step helps the community gain a greater understanding of our language.