First Nations – Culture & heritage

The G21 region sits within the lands of the Wadawurrung and Eastern Maar Traditional Owners who are the Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP) under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. The region is home to a number of culturally significant sites tens of thousands of years old.

Several locations and projects have been identified in G21 for the development of cultural tourism experiences. These will recognise and highlight First Nations cultural heritage and the importance of connection to Country.

You Yangs Regional Park

The You Yangs in Lara is one of the most significant ancient cultural and recreation sites in G21. As identified in the Paleert Tjaara Dja Wadawurrung Country Plan (2020-30), this site requires urgent protection and enhancement. A masterplan has been developed which will upgrade visitor facilities and conserve the cultural heritage of this popular regional landmark.

Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut (Barwon River Parklands)

Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut is an initiative to increase public access to the unique environmental, cultural and recreational value of the Lower Moorabool and Lower Barwon Rivers. The natural riverine environment runs from the hinterland regions around Meredith to the urban areas of Geelong to the Barwon River estuary at Barwon Heads.

Porronggitj Karrong

Porronggitj Karrong is a cultural and community precinct of potential national significance in Breakwater, south of Geelong. Barwon Water is working in partnership with the Wadawurrung to re-imagine the 66 hectare site which has high ecological, heritage, cultural and recreational value.

Regional engagement

First Nations organisations in the G21 region are in the process of building capacity to enable greater influence and management of social wellbeing, employment and economic prosperity in their communities.

What G21 needs

• $15 million for Stage 1 of the You Yangs Precinct Master Plan, including improvements to visitor and education infrastructure. Link this project to the newly funded Aboriginal Cultural Tourism business case to ensure a strong focus on Traditional Owner engagement.
• Support the development of a masterplan for the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut project area, and identify investment in priority projects.
• Funding to develop a business case, following development of a country plan for Porronggitj Karrong, led by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation RAP.
• As First Nations organisations establish their own priority projects in the region, G21 and other advocacy organisations could assist by sharing resources, leveraging networks and delivering practical assistance as required.

A commitment to embed GROW training, employment and procurement principles in all government projects within the region.