During times of lockdowns, we have all learned how important our local parks and waterways are in managing our well-being. The Victorian Branch of the Australian Water Association (AWA) has been working with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and the community to establish a virtual trail along the Merri Creek to create a greater awareness of people’s connection to the land and water.
Join us for an afternoon exploration of the Merri Creek Women's Walk and official sign reveal!
The Merri Creek Women’s Walk trail acknowledges Wurundjeri’s connection to the land and water and tells the stories of several inspiring women who have contributed to the Merri Creek and its local environment. To access the online trail map and read the stories click here.
In line with AWA’s Strategy to Share, Connect & Inspire
With the support of AWA’s Victorian Branch Committee of the Australian Water Association, Moreland City Council resident and committee member, Meredith was looking for a practical project to connect Merri Creek with AWA members and local groups for inspiration and provide an opportunity to share stories, which resulted in the idea to establish a walking trail, featuring women's stories, from Joe’s Garden along the Merri Creek between Moreland Road and Bell Street.
Due to Covid restrictions we could not host a launch on location but on Wednesday 20 October '21, many joined us online for the launch of the AWA VIC Merri Creek Women's Walk virtual trail map and listened to inspirational women who helped shape the Merri Creek environment. We had a wonderful Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di who shared her personal connection to the Creek and others too shared their stories from various locations along the trail. With the support of Wurundjeri we invite you to have a look at the recording of this most engaging webinar on location.
We now look forward to welcoming the broader community to the creek and invite you for an in-person event on Thursday 7 April 2022, 5pm for 5.30pm start.
There will be a Welcome to Country by a Wurundjeri Elder and a smoking ceremony in the area of Joe's Garden (end of Edna Grove) and we will unveil the new interpretative marker for the Women’s Walk trail map (supported by Melbourne Water’s LCLW grants program) all whilst enjoying a hot beverage from the coffee truck (courtesy of Moreland City Council). Farmer Em will have a small veggie and flower stall – rumours are she will also have toasties! – and you can learn more about the work of Friends of Merri Creek and become a member. There will also be an opportunity to sign up to a Merri Creek walking group to “sing up” the Creek in the manner described by Freya Matthews in her story (here). The event will conclude at 6.30pm.
Come and help us celebrate the amazing work of these inspiring women and hear about future plans for the Creek and its community!
Please register for the event (for catering purposes): click here to register.
If you missed the October online event or want to re-listen to the stories, please access the YouTube recording here.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
If you'd like to explore the map in your own time; here's the QR code: