The Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative recently held a successful Bush Culture day designed to reconnect participating Aboriginal families with their natural environment.

One of the day’s highlights was a look inside nesting boxes rarely seen from the ground. A sleepy family of Sugar Gliders, a Brush-tail Possum and the first Phascogale for the site were observed during a day of celebrations at a Nature Park near Bendigo in Victoria.

"Old trees take a long time to form hollows needed by native animals such as bats, birds and possums" said Mr Miles Geldard from the City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Natural Reserves team. "We have put up nest boxes here as a short-term substitute as many of the surrounding trees were cleared during the Gold Rush days."

More than 90 people took part in a bush walk enjoying the natural and cultural heritage values of the Park. 

Ms Bambi Lees, North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Indigenous Facilitator said the day was a great opportunity for people to understand more about their surrounding bushland and to assist in the revegetation of the area.  

“Native grass seeds were hand broadcast under the Yellow Box, Grey Box and non-native Pine trees to help revegetate the Park with native plants, improving the habitat for native animals,” said Ms Lees. 

A healthy lunch prepared by Indigenous chef Eboni, and entertainment for the children by ‘Ausca’ the Sugar Gilder and performer Brett Gregory rounded off the day.

The City of Greater Bendigo, Coliban Water and the North Central CMAs Box-Gum Grassy Woodland project, funded through the Australian Government’s Caring for Country, supported the day.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au