Budj Bim
Sarah MANSFIELD (Western Victoria) (09:47): Last week I visited the extraordinary cultural landscape of Budj Bim in Gunditjmara country in south-western Victoria. It reflects an intimate understanding of what it means to be inhabitants of our earth. The area is covered with extensive ancient aquaculture systems. Eels, a key food source for Gunditjmara people, were trapped through careful arrangements of channelled rock and stored in freshwater pools, or natural fridges, until they were ready to be smoked, eaten or traded. During our tour of Kurtonitj and Tae Rak, Gunditjmara guide Braydon invited us to pause, take in the landscape and notice what was taking place around us. Where were the large grasses growing that indicate permanent pools of water? Observe the shape of the land and vegetation: how does water flow through there? He encouraged us to let go of arbitrary calendars and seasons and instead respond to the changes we see in our environment in real time. For example, when the flies start buzzing around your face it means waterholes are starting to dry up and you need to prepare for creeks being at their lowest. It was an experience I will always carry with me. It was a reminder to take the time to listen deeply to nature, to our First Peoples and to all of the intricate relationships present in the world around us and to respond and act with care and respect.