Wildflower Drive Management Plan 2021 - 2026 Consultation Draft - Djandak
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Wildflower Drive Management Plan
2021 - 2026
Consultation Draft
Notes
1. At the time of writing, the implementation of this management plan is limited to those strategies and actions funded under the Walking
Together - Balak Kalik Manya Project. Funding is to be secured for implementation of the remaining strategies and actions.
2. Djaara language used in this consultation draft is subject to approval from the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation and should
not be used or taken as correct.
3. The imagery and maps in this consultation draft will be subject to further detail and graphic design with finalisation of the plan.
12 April 2021
Djandak
Acknowledgements The Wildflower Drive Management Plan 2021 - 2026 was developed by Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners through Djandak with the assistance of Conservation Management. We would like to thank everyone, both Djaara and non-Djaara, who provided input into the process through the community consultation workshops and the visitor community experience survey. A special thanks also to our partners, particularly the members of the Balak Kalik Manya Project Control Group and Project Working Group: Parks Victoria, Mount Alexander Shire, City of Greater Bendigo, and Regional Development Victoria. Citation This plan should be cited as Djandak (2021) Wildflower Drive Management Plan 2021 - 2026 - Consultation Draft 2021. The Consultation Draft is available from the Djandak website at: http://djandak.com.au/. Intellectual property and copyright All Aboriginal knowledge in this plan remains the intellectual property of Djaara and is not to be reproduced without permission from DDWCAC. All images of Djaara in this plan are reproduced with their permission. Copyright © 2021 Djandak. All rights reserved. Warning This plan may contain culturally sensitive material - including images and names of people who are now deceased.
Message from the DDW CEO
Rodney Carter’s Message
The Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya Project is the first of its kind in our
region. Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises (trading as Djandak) have been given the As a business, Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises is an expression of Djaara rights to self-
opportunity to lead this project, working in collaboration with project partners direction, economic independence and to care for Country - for which their
from relevant government organisations. connection is intimate and undeniable as evidenced by the rich knowledge and
values contributed in the development of this management plan. Dja Dja Wurrung
This approach has been chosen to empower Dja Dja Wurrung People (Djaara) with Enterprises anticipates being integral to all forms of land management in the years
a voice in contemporary land management practices. The impacts of colonisation to come; and in doing so is “putting Djaara back in the landscape” to the benefit of
are still felt today, some Djaara still feel disenfranchised from their Country and all our Country and the communities that live within.
have not felt comfortable participating as an active member within the community.
Projects such as these that are being led by Djaara will further the decolonisation
process and assist with solidifying our position as constructive members, with a
collaborative nature, in the community.
As community members and as a business, we are also acutely aware that there
are a growing number of community members that are dissatisfied with the
outdated approaches being taken by Crown Land managers. We see this project
and our collaborative approach as Land Managers for the good of the public as an
invaluable opportunity to work closely with the community to better understand
their needs, and to begin building trust, amongst the community and government
partners, to the benefit of the Dja Dja Wurrung name and brand.
The creation of a site-specific management plan, in close collaboration with
government partner agencies and community stakeholders, creates an authorising
environment for the Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises to undertake implementation of
park improvement recommendations and capital works.
This management plan expands upon the approach of management detailed in
‘Dhelkunya Dja’ and the ‘Joint Management Plan’, focusing on site-specific
information, recommendations and strategies.
i
Messages from Djandak staff – Local legends
Sharlee Dunolly-Lee’s Message
As a 19-year-old Djaara person, born on, living on, and working on country, I feel I am proud to represent the Dja Dja Wurrung and I am proud to be a Ranger for
like I have a moral responsibility to care for our country as it binds us to the past, Djandak. The Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya project enables me to express
present and future, as Traditional Owners of this country. I have a strong my creative ideas to heal and protect country.
connection to this land and as a Djaara person, I strive to uphold our cultural
With the introduction to two main sites, I am able to initiate the on-ground works
obligations of caring for country, as looking after Country means we can pass our
while with Djandak, at Kalimna Park in Castlemaine and Wildflower Drive in
culture onto future generations.
Bendigo. Both sites are open to the public and have suffered long term misconduct,
Working with Djandak allows me to reconnect with traditional land management such as destroyed and damaged ecosystems and lack of native biodiversity. Sacred
practices, while beginning to heal our Country, and gaining valuable knowledge objects and artefacts remain at both sites and therefore must be protected and
and experience to share with future generations. My main objective is to practice, monitored to reduce any future misconduct. I feel a strong urge to protect the
revitalise, and to develop these sustainable ideas into the future. natural biodiversity of plants and animals on our traditional land as it has been the
center of our culture for centuries. The misuse and exploitation of our Country must
In addition to healing country, taking care of water, plants, and animals is
be managed, so we can heal Country, and ultimately our Culture.
important to me as when we look after Mother Country, Mother Country looks
after us. Being on country actively heals my physical and mental wellbeing, as I feel
connected to Country and Culture. Working with Djandak enables me, and other
Djaara members from our community to achieve our goals, such as those listed in
Dhelkunya Dja. When we all come together, we can make change. It is in our
culture, and our culture is country. Without Country, we don’t have a culture. That
is why is it so important (for me) to heal our Country that has been exploited and
misused.
The Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya project allows Djandak and Djaara to
reconnect with traditional lands that we have been dispossessed from until now.
Communities are now able to reconnect and come together in the aid of healing
country, which ultimately heals culture and develops reconciliation in our local
communities. When our communities come together, we can control the detriment
from historic exploitation and thrive more than ever.
ii
Wildflower Drive is home to many threatened species of plants and animals, and
Harley Douglas’ Message they are protected by a countless number of passionate community members.
These community members are vital in advocating the plight of these sometimes-
Growing up in the Castlemaine area on a small property adjoining the Castlemaine overlooked species and assist to promote the correct land management techniques
Diggings National Heritage Park, I have spent many years exploring the undulating
to enhance the habitat, food, and connectivity available. I want to take up this
hills of the Box-Ironbark Forests that are iconic to Dja Dja Wurrung Country. While space to thank all the community members that care for Wildflower Drive and
adventuring and playing in the bush as a kid, I never would have imagined that one other bushland spaces in the Greater Bendigo area and those many community
day the Dja Dja Wurrung would not only be given a seat at the table but get to take members who have shared invaluable information and data, and the detailed
the lead in managing our forests and parks through agreements such as the Joint conversations we have had, relating to Wildflower Drive- thank you!
Management Plan and projects like Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya. On a
personal level, I never envisaged that I would be working for Dja Dja Wurrung Wildflower Drive is an incredibly special place, as is known by the local Bendigo
Enterprises (Trading as Djandak) and have the opportunity to manage such an community. But apart from a small number of local Djaara who frequent the park,
exciting and collaborative project. Djaara have largely been absent in the history of Wildflower Drive since
colonization of the area. The Walking Together- Balak Kalik Manya project, and
Until recently I didn’t even know the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation many other projects of its kind that the Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises are currently
existed, and I identify as Djaara through my family lineage to Caroline Malcolm - implementing, are enabling Djaara to reclaim ownership of our forests, waterways,
one of the eighteen Dja Dja Wurrung Apical Ancestors which all members are and parks.
descended from. This may have been a fault of my own and not the Corporations
as in my teenage years I didn’t engage with anything that wasn’t sport related, but The Dja Dja Wurrung are thrilled to be able to reconnect with land management
I was also ignorant that employment in the environmental industry was achievable practices on such a significant part of our Country.
without the need for tertiary education. This ignorance is no longer an option for
younger Djaara growing up on Djandak because of the profile that Dja Dja
Wurrung has built for itself and the reputation we are developing amongst
communities, government, and ourselves as people of the Dja Dja Wurrung.
The Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya Project further solidifies that Dja Dja
Wurrung people are willing and capable to manage our Country in a unique way
that empowers both the Dja Dja Wurrung and local community. Through extensive
community consultation with both Djaara and wider community groups we have
learned an intimate understanding of what people want to happen in their parks
and we have detailed this understanding throughout our Management Plan. By
combining traditional land management practices with innovative new
approaches and thorough community consultation, Dja Dja Wurrung believe that
we can apply this pilot model to other parks that have similar challenges as
Wildflower Drive.
iii
Glossary of Dja Dja Wurrung language words
General words Animals and plants
Boort (burt) Smoke Duan Brush-tailed Phascogale
Balak Kalik Manya Community - people meeting with many hands Dum Frog
Dhelkunya Dja Healing/make good, land/Country Gurri Kangaroo
Dhelkunya Wi Healing Fire Murnang Yam Daisy
Djaara The People of Country More Dja Dja Wurrung plant and animal language words are in Appendix 3
Dja Dja Wurrung Yes Yes speaking/lip/tongue
Djandak Dja Dja Wurrung Country Dja Dja Wurrung Creation Stories
Djuwima Djandaki Djaara term to describe important values Bunjil Creator Being who transformed into Wedge -
Galka Trees tailed Eagle
Gatjin Water Martiinga Kuli Murrup Ancestral Spirit
Girra Leaves Mindye Giant Serpent
Larr Stone Waa Bunjil’s Brother - Fire Dreaming - Raven
Mayam Shelter
Murun dhelk Living good health Place names
Ngulumbarra Gathering together Dharrangowar Mount Tarrengower
Wi Fire Kooroocheang Mount Kooroocheang
Womin-dji-ka Welcome La Larr Ba Gauwa Harcourt Mountain Bike Park (Stones and
Mountain)
Wurrekangek My talk (my story)
Lalgambuk Mount Franklin
Wurru Traditional rock well
Larr-ni-barramul Home of the Emu (Franklinford area)
Leanganook a Mount Alexander
Yapenya Mount Barker
iv
Contents
Message from the DDW CEO ...................................................................................... i
Messages from Djandak staff – Local legends ............................................................ ii
Glossary of Dja Dja Wurrung language words ............................................................iv
Contents .................................................................................................................... v
Vision ........................................................................................................................ 1
Dja Dja Wurrung Country and the Djaara story .......................................................... 2
Balak Kalik Manya ..................................................................................................... 4
Wildflower Drive ....................................................................................................... 5
Djuwima Djandaki ..................................................................................................... 6
Threats .................................................................................................................... 23
Implementation ...................................................................................................... 33
Appendix 1: Guide to Dja Dja Wurrung sounds and spelling ..................................... 38
Appendix 2: Links to the Country Plan and Joint Management Plan ......................... 40
Appendix 3: Plant and animal species of conservation and cultural significance ...... 46
v
Vision
Wildflower Drive is a place that:
o is looked after collaboratively by both Djaara and non-Djaara:
o is celebrated as a shared place; and
o positively connects the community with nature and culture.
Wildflower Drive is a place where:
o Djaara cultural heritage is protected, created and exhibited;
o Djaara maintain and teach our culture to future generations; and
o Djaara plants, animals and waterways are safe and healthy.
1
Dja Dja Wurrung Country and the Djaara story
“We are the stringybark people” Rodney Carter, Djaara community “We feel safe when on country and feel sustained”. Rodney Carter, Djaara
member and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation CEO. community member and Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation
Chief Executive Officer.
We, the Dja Dja Wurrung people, Djaara, are the traditional owners of an area in
Central Victoria, Australia. We are descendants of our apical ancestors, that trace Figure 1: Location map of Dja Dja Wurrung Country
back thousands of years. Our ancestors are recorded as having had sixteen or more
clans with similar dialects and are traditionally part of the Kulin (Nation) alliance of
tribes. In common with other Kulin peoples, Bunjil the Wedge-tailed Eagle and Waa
the Raven form the moieties of the traditional patrilineal kinship system.
In our worldview, Djaara evolved with Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Djandak, during
the Creation time. Djandak was shaped and nurtured by our Djaara ancestors,
reflecting principles embedded in kinship, language, spirituality and Bunjil’s Law.
Bunjil is the Creation being who bestowed Djaara with the laws and ceremonies
that ensure the continuation of life. Djaara know Mindye the Giant Serpent as the
keeper and enforcer of Bunjil’s Law.
Dja Dja Wurrung Country is a cultural landscape. It is more than just tangible
objects. Imprinted in the landscape are our Creation stories, traditional law,
totemic relationships, songs, ceremonies and ancestral spirits, which give it life and
value to Djaara. The values we hold for our Djandak are shaped from our belief
systems that all things - water, birds, plants, animals, rocks and mountains - have
a murrup, a spirit. We see all the land and its creatures in a holistic way,
interconnected with each other and with us.
Prior to European colonisation, our Country, our Djandak, was covered in vast galka
(tree) forests providing us with plants and animals for food, medicine and mayam
(shelter). All natural places within Djandak were well known, had a name and song,
and were celebrated as a part of country and culture.
2
The arrival of Europeans caused significant impact to our spiritual, environmental, Djandak is also the name we chose for our Corporation’s commercial arm. Djandak
political and economic order. Unrecorded numbers of Djaara ancestors died is an independent, Supply Nation certified business enterprise that is integral to
fighting for our Djandak and for Martiinga Kulinga Murrup (Ancestral Spirits). Other achieving Djaara’s goals of self-determination and improved community well-
Djaara were forced from their Djandak. Our places were destroyed by European being. Djandak has several contracts to fulfil a range of services, including natural
land uses. European explorers and colonialists gave our places foreign names. resource management, cultural services and landscaping. The business employees
include rangers, who will be integral to implementing this plan.
In the 1840s, many surviving Djaara were forced to take refuge at the Loddon
Aboriginal Protectorate station at Larrnibarramul (Franklinford). In the 1850s,
some Djaara negotiated paid work in the pastoral sector and some also worked in
The Djandak logo
the goldfields. This allowed some Djaara to continue to be connected to Djandak. The Djandak logo represents our Djandak, our Country. It depicts the main
By the late 1800s, many of our ancestors were restricted to living on missions and landscape features of the Loddon and Campaspe rivers traversing our country, as
reserves where there were tight restraints on movement, employment and well as the rivers bordering Djandak; the Avoca River and the Coliban River.
cultural practices. Djaara families recount stories from this period of our ancestors
being punished for use of Dja Dja Wurrung language and customs. With the Figure 2: Djandak logo
dismantling of the missions and reserves by the early 1900s, Dja Dja Wurrung
people moved to living in the Aboriginal communities and regional centres.
Today, Dja Dja Wurrung people proudly survive. We continue to practice our
culture and customs and uphold the obligations of Bunjil’s Law. We experience a
close cultural, spiritual, physical, social, historical and economic relationship with
our Djandak. Many Djaara live on Country and some still live away. Yet we are all
Djaara. We are proactive in achieving our aspirations of spiritual, social and
emotional wellbeing. We face many challenges in healing the scars of history. To
help with this process, we established the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal
Corporation in 2004.
In 2013 we signed a Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of
Victoria, recognising our unique connection to Country, our Djandak. The
agreement will help us strengthen, protect and promote our rights and culture for
ourselves and for the benefit of all Victorians, now and into the future. The
Agreement sets a precedent for the joint management of Djandak between Djaara
and the Victorian Government.
3Balak Kalik Manya
In 2019, DDWCAC and Parks Victoria started a pilot project called Walking The plans were informed by: review of existing plans; flora and fauna surveys with
Together - Balak Kalik Manya (Community: People meeting with many hands). The independent consultant ecologists, Djandak staff and volunteers; cultural heritage
project is to deliver and implement site specific management plans for two areas surveys with Djaara elders; visitor / community experience surveys; advice from
near Dja Dja Wurrung townships, with the aim of further connecting community Parks Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo; as well as community consultation
with nature, whilst protecting and improving biodiversity. The two areas are with Djaara and the wider community. As the project coincided with the COVID-
Kalimna Park within Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park, and Wildflower 19 Pandemic, community consultation workshops were around a virtual campfire
Drive within the Greater Bendigo National Park. Both areas have minimal on- with an open invitation to community members to join in and have a yarn.
ground management, and there is a desire from Parks Victoria and Dja Dja
Wurrung for more intensive management to emphasize culturally appropriate Figure 3: Balak Kalik Manya - meeting with hands
management of land.
The project is seen as practical reconciliation and has genuine support from the
Victorian Government helping achieve key performance indicators of: Increased
land use; Job creation; Increase in number of people connected with nature;
Improved environmental condition and threatened species outcomes; Greater
visitor satisfaction; Increased opportunities for Indigenous engagement on
Country; and Improved understanding of cultural heritage. The project also has
strong support from the Mount Alexander Shire Council and the City of Greater
Bendigo. Djaara see the project as an opportunity to create a shared cultural
landscape for all the community to enjoy.
Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya, and the plans, will help achieve many of
the goals and objectives in our Dhelkunya Dja - Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan 2014
- 2034 and the Joint Management Plan for the Dja Dja Wurrung Parks 2018 (see
Appendix 2).
Dja Dja Wurrung acknowledge that as well as the Djaara planning context, there is
existing legislative, and other policies and strategic plans that apply to Kalimna
Park and Wildflower Drive. The Balak Kalik Manya project respects these
instruments.
The process to develop the management plans followed the healthy country
framework, that has an inclusive consultative community approach to planning
that respects Aboriginal community values.
4Wildflower Drive
Wildflower Drive is situated on the outskirts of Central Bendigo, in north-eastern Figure 4: Map showing local context of Wildflower Drive
Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country). Wildflower Drive forms part of the Greater
Bendigo National Park. The Park was declared in 2002 from the former Whipstick
State Park, Kamarooka State Park, One Tree Hill Regional Park, Mandurang State
Forest and the Sandhurst State Forest. The Park is jointly managed by Djaara and
Parks Victoria in accordance with the Joint Management Plan for the Dja Dja
Wurrung Parks 2018. Greater Bendigo National Park is to be managed as a
Category II IUCN Protected Area.
Wildflower Drive is in the City of Greater Bendigo’s local government area.
For the purposes of this management plan, Wildflower Drive is 450 ha and includes
all pieces of continuous bushland adjoining the ‘Wildflower Drive Road’; this
includes Pieper’s Hill which has been referred to as the One Tree Hill block in the
past.
Wildflower Drive is dominated by woodland and grassland communities and is part
of the Box-Ironbark region of Central Victoria. However, most of the area was
cleared of vegetation and disturbed by gold mining activities during the mid-1800s.
Wildflower Drive has minimal on-ground management or budget allocation
dedicated to improving park amenities. There are a number of sealed pathways,
walking tracks, informal 4WD tracks, and informal mountain biking tracks. The
main visitation area identified at Wildflower Drive is along the western edge of the
park, bordering the Harley Street estate, and is popular amongst dog walkers,
nature enthusiasts, mountain bikers, and kids.
Wildflower Drive continues to be a popular place for Djaara and the Bendigo
community to spend time, relax, appreciate nature and enjoy the scenery.
5Djuwima Djandaki
Djuwima Djandaki are the most important values that Dja Dja Wurrung people and the wider community consider in looking after the Wildflower Drive. Our Djuwima Djandaki
for Wildflower Drive align with Djuwima Djandaki in the Joint Management Plan. They are also strongly linked to the themed goals in our Country Plan. Our knowledge of
Djuwima Djandaki comes from Djaara, the Joint Management Plan, the Country Plan, Parks Victoria, and was also informed by the community consultation forums, and the
flora and fauna, cultural heritage and visitor surveys undertaken during the planning process. Our Djuwima Djandaki are also consistent with the joint land management
principles under the Recognition and Settlement Agreement 2013.
We have identified one primary goal for each Djuwima Djandaki. If we reach all the primary goals, then we will achieve our Vision and Wildflower Drive will be healthy. Each
primary goal has one or more strategies linked to it. The primary goals for each Djuwima Djandaki may also be goals for other Djuwima Djandaki.
These connections between primary and other goals and the relevant strategies will be detailed in our work and monitoring plan.
6Health of our Djuwima Djandaki
We have assessed the health of each of our Djuwima Djandaki. The plan will help improve the health of our Djuwima Djandaki, particularly those that have a Fair or Poor
health rating at the commencement of the plan. Our health rating system is described below.
Health status Health status description Symbol
The Djuwima Djandaki is very healthy. The extent and type of work for the Djuwima Djandaki at the commencement of the plan
Very Good
should be maintained.
The health of the Djuwima Djandaki is acceptable. The extent and type of work for the Djuwima Djandaki at the commencement of
Good the plan will maintain the health of the Djuwima Djandaki. To improve the health of the Djuwima Djandaki minor changes are
required.
The health of the Djuwima Djandaki is not acceptable. Considerable parts of the Djuwima Djandaki are unhealthy and the work at the
Fair commencement of the plan is not improving the health. If there are no changes, the health of the Djuwima Djandaki will deteriorate.
A modest change or increase in the work is required.
The Djuwima Djandaki is threatened with local extinction or loss of complete value. The extent and type of work at the
Poor commencement of the plan is not improving the health. It will be difficult to improve the health of the Djuwima Djandaki as significant
changes are required, which may be very expensive and require significant resources.
7Djuwima Djandaki 1: People of the Park
Figure 5: Surveying for Pink-tailed Worm-lizard
All Djandak is important to Djaara, and Djaara’s continued connection to Djandak
is important. Djaara are descended from eighteen individuals known as Apical
Ancestors who were living at the time of European arrival. Djaara feel strongly
about using the area as a place where the wider community can learn about Djaara
culture and connections to Djandak, while also protecting the biodiversity that
exists within the park. Djaara want Wildflower Drive to be looked after and
promoted as a welcoming place that makes people feel better and healthier,
murun dhelk (living good health).
Wildflower Drive is an important place to the community who frequent it,
although no formal committee or group has been formed. Most people who visit
Wildflower Drive are locals, including many older people. These individuals enjoy
the freedom of living within proximity to quiet bushland only minutes out of the
Bendigo CBD, and benefit from the positive impacts spending time in nature can
achieve. Although people generally visit independently, there are many organized
groups that use or help maintain Wildflower Drive including the Friends of Box-
Ironbark Forests, Bendigo Field Naturalists, Friends of the Bendigo Bushland Trail,
Bendigo Orienteers, Bendigo Mountain Bike Club.
.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Wildflower Drive is positively contributing to the murun dhelk of Djaara and the wider community.
Wildflower Drive provides a safe space that will cater for the needs of the community in a way that will positively enrich their lives through
the health benefits associated with being in nature.
8Djuwima Djandaki 2: Recreation, cultural practices and customs
We want to invite the wider community to ngulumbarra (gathering together) for
Djaara womin-dji-ka (welcome) people to Wildflower Drive.
special events, listen to Djaara wurrekang (telling stories) and learn. Djaara see
Most people who visit Wildflower Drive are locals who like to go walking, including Wildflower Drive as a dhelkunya dja (healing place) for all community.
walking their dogs, generally exercise and appreciate nature. Orienteering occurs
Many Bendigo community members are interested in learning more about Djaara
on a regular basis by both orienteering groups and local schools.
connections to the area and continuing their involvement in helping look after
Mountain biking is also a major recreational activity at Wildflower Drive, although Wildflower Drive, including habitat restoration, installation of nestboxes, and
the trails have been created illegally and are not formalized by land managers. working bees.
Mountain biking will continue to be a recreational activity that will be undertaken
“Once we identify and maintain all our customary activities that used to
at Wildflower Drive and due to the scale of the activity already taking place at the
historically be undertaken in that particular area, we can preserve and
site, meaningful implementation of track closures and monitoring of those
promote our connection to that environment … educate the mainstream
closures would prove extremely difficult. Although, Djandak will engage the
public that yes we have had long standing connection to this and the
Bendigo Mountain Bike Club and begin the process of closing tracks that are
stories … to ensure that that connection is flown through our ancestral
deemed as inappropriate due to sensitive flora, or fauna, or cultural sites.
stories.” Aunty Ros Dodson, Djaara community member.
Djaara and non-Djaara alike feel that a greater effort needs to be put into looking
after Wildflower Drive. We are concerned by the inappropriate visitor use, rubbish
dumping, weed spread, erosion, and lack of overall knowledge of the environment
from local community. Djaara believe there needs to be improved information on
the area, including Djaara connections to the area, as well as improved signage,
tracks, access, infrastructure, and better fire management. Djaara want to carry
out cultural practices and customs at Wildflower Drive.
Health status Primary goals for Djuwima Djandaki
Wildflower Drive is celebrated as a Djaara place; a womin-dji-ka place of dhelkunya dja, ngulumbarra and wurrekang.
Infrastructure and facilities in Wildflower Drive are maintained to facilitate for a wide variety of activities including picnicking, bushkinders,
community gatherings, events and exhibitions.
9Figure 6: Local Djaara woman Kerri Douglas creating a scarred tree Figure 7: Djandak local legends Harley, Hakeem and Sharlee
10Djuwima Djandaki 3: Cultural heritage
Wildflower Drive has Djaara cultural heritage and shared heritage. Djaara cultural Unfortunately, current interpretation of the gold mining history does not
heritage includes important plants and animals and connections to place such as acknowledge Djaara’s involvement. There is a campaign for the Victorian
stories, language, place, plant and animals’ names, customs and practices. There Goldfields to be inscribed on the World Heritage List. It is important that Djaara
is a strong Djaara desire for Wildflower Drive to be a place where both tangible are involved in such campaigns and support any nomination.
and intangible cultural heritage are promoted and celebrated.
Although Djaara are proud of their ancestor’s involvement in the gold rush and
“I would really like to see the community harvesting chocolate lilies and that this involvement should be recognised, we believe that our own cultural
murnong from the site and interacting with our indigenous plants … heritage, is stronger and more important and should be valued as such:
creating scar trees for coolamans and shields.“ Harley Douglas, Djaara
“Modern historical times does not outweigh ancestral times.” Aunty Ros
community member and Djandak employee.
Dodson, Djaara community member.
Shared cultural heritage includes the gold mining history from the mid-1800s,
including Djaara’s involvement in fossicking and showing early Europeans where Figure 8: Stone artefact
to find gold.
“Uncle Brian tells the story of the birds fighting and a Djaara fella threw a
chunk of gold at them … that’s the old one that he was showing the settler
around and then the birds were fighting so he threw a rock up to stop the
birds from fighting but then the settler looked at it and seen it was a big
chunk of gold.” Trent Nelson, Djaara community member.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Places of Djaara cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, within Wildflower Drive are recorded, protected, and where appropriate,
promoted.
11Figure 9: Wurru (traditional rock well) just outside Wildflower Drive Figure 10: Smoking ceremony on Country
12Djuwima Djandaki 4: Plants and animals
Nestboxes have been installed for species such as duan and the threatened
There is a total of 207 native plant species recorded in Wildflower Drive, including
woodland birds, but nestboxes have a short lifespan. Our flora and fauna survey
seven threatened species. Djaara have identified several culturally important food
report recommended that additional artificial hollows like nestboxes, are needed
and fibre plants including murnong (yam daisy), a number of lilies and kangaroo
because of the lack of large hollow-bearing trees.
grass. Some of these plants are not as common as they used to be. Under the
Recognition and Settlement Agreement 2013, Djaara are allowed to harvest The Pink-tailed Worm-lizard resides under small rocks or in ant galleries.
certain plants in Wildflower Drive in accordance with particular conditions. Inappropriate wi (fire) regimes, habitat loss and degradation, land clearing and
track creation, and rock removal are the key threats to the species survival. Djaara
Surveys have recorded four species of dum (frog), three native mammals, eleven
are proud their Djandak is an important area for this species and are keen to
native reptile species, 116 bird and eight bat species, and eight native butterfly
ensure that their management of Wildflower Drive helps the species thrive.
species in Wildflower Drive. It is likely that there are more species of native
reptiles, dum and butterflies. Three introduced mammals and one exotic butterfly Habitat restoration and connectivity are critical to the long-term survival of many
have been recorded. species of conservation and cultural significance, with appropriate wi playing a
critical role in maintaining and promoting the small patches of habitat that remain
The Box-Ironbark vegetation community extends across most of Wildflower Drive,
in the region.
and the national park, including Wildflower Drive, is within the Bendigo Box-
Ironbark Region Important Bird Area, as it is important habitat for woodland birds, “There are plants now that are no longer growing there … return those
including the threatened swift parrot. A number of threatened animal species have species back to where they used to grow … return the threatened species
been recorded in Wildflower Drive in Box-Ironbark communities; these include the … fill that region again and make sure it is a safe and protected so that
duan (Brush-tailed Phascogale), Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Bibron’s Toadlet and there is no further damage.” Aunty Ros Dodson, Djaara community
twelve bird species. member.
However, there are very few mature hollow-bearing galka in Wildflower Drive and
reduced suitable ground habitat such as girra (leaf) litter and habitat logs.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
All plants and animals are protected, promoted, and healthy within Wildflower Drive; particularly plant and animal species listed as
threatened or of conservation or cultural significance.
13Figure 11: Duwan (Brush-tailed Phascogale) Figure 12: Murnong flower
Figure 13: Pink-tailed Worm-lizard shedding its skin Figure 14: Common Fringe Myrtle
Photo: Elaine Bayes
14Figure 15: Pink-tiled Worm-lizard survey Figure 16: Gurri
Emma, Annalise and Chase from the North Central Catchment Management
Authority; happy with their find during Pink-tailed Worm-lizard surveying
15Djuwima Djandaki 5: Gatjin
Figure 17: Aerial view of Wildflower Dam
Gatjin (water) has an important role in the health of plants and animals, including
species of conservation and cultural significance. They are also very important
culturally, with Djaara’s ancestors relying on them for drinking water, and for the
home of many foods and fibres. They were also important in the shared heritage
of the gold rush. Today water places continue to have spiritual and cultural
significance to Djaara.
Wildflower Drive features large, eroded gullies that flow during heavy rainfall
events, but the Gatjin is largely held within artificial irrigation channels and dams.
These dams and gullies have been further adversely impacted by 4WD and
trailbike use. Djaara would like to rehabilitate and restore these degraded areas
both to deter the inappropriate use occurring but also to create an ephemeral
wetland that hosts both indigenous plant species and animals, and also visitors
that can enjoy an area of the park they have previously been excluded from due
to dangerous activity.
.
A dam at the southern entrance to Wildflower Drive just off Strathfieldsaye Road
has been identified as a key visitor area that Djandak can entice people to with
interpretive material, shelter and toilets, seating, loop walk, and indigenous
plantings.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Gatjin associated with Wildflower Drive is protected and healthy.
16Djuwima Djandaki 6: Landscapes and open space
Associated with Wildflower Drive are a number of large flat sparsely vegetated
Figure 18: Healthy woodland at Wildflower Drive
areas. These open spaces are where kangaroos congregate and where Djaara
would have hunted prey using fire and other tools, carried out ceremonies and
had other community activities. There is a desire within the Djaara and the wider
community to rehabilitate these open spaces and invite back into the landscape.
“We want to influence the way in which our mob and then of course the
wider community view these spaces. They’re special. We need to elevate
them to so that people believe they are special and know that they are
special to us, and then they should be adopted as special for them.” Aunty
Ros Dodson, Djaara community member.
“creating areas of space that have our design on them … have community
go there and Djaara people go there and be able to bring their kids along
… having kids run around there but knowing that that fires a Djaara fire
pit the seat is made of a Djaara story connected to it and a lot of
interpretation around it like signs and stories and language about that
park … Djaarafying … Open spaces for us too is around where we can
practice ceremony and come together and share these spaces of country
… turning them into open areas that people can go … have a picnic … sites
with a dance pad …” Trent Nelson, Djaara community member.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Wildflower Drive will be utilized as a cultural hub for use by Djaara and non-Djaara community alike.
17Figure 19: Riparian edge to dam at Wildflower Drive Figure 20: Water flow from Coliban Water Channel through Wildflower Drive
Figure 21: Open space at Wildflower Drive Figure 22: Key habitat for Pink-tailed Worm-lizard
18Djuwima Djandaki 7: Self-determination
“Make our presence seen and heard.” Deb Dunolly, Djaara Community “Self-determination is for me and probably community I guess is to go out
member. into these parks and to see our own people employed like you’re saying
such as Sharlee and Hakeem, as rangers out there day to day, being out
Djaara have been on a long journey of self-determination. To overcome the
there on the ground managing whether they’re doing walks and talks, or
inequities and devastation we have endured from colonialisation, settlement and
whether they’re doing pest plant removal or just doing patrols, general
the gold rush, we have stayed strong and continued to fight for our rights and for
maintenance but they’re out there and they’re employed, they’re in stable
recognition. We have our Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of
positions and their managing their country. For me that’s self-
Victoria. We have established our corporation and our business enterprise, and we
determination.” Trent Nelson, Djaara Community member.
are jointly managing a number of parks in our Djandak. Much of the wider
community has supported us on this journey. Walking Together – Balak Kalik
Manya is one project which is helping us achieve self-determination. This pilot
project is a practical demonstration of our capability and commitment to both our
Djandak and self-determination.
“We can be great leaders if we’re just given the opportunity.” Rodney
Carter, Djaara community member and Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans
Corporation Chief Executive Officer.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Dja Dja Wurrung are resourced to be the joint land managers of Wildflower Drive and respected as land managers within the community and
work collaboratively with one-another.
19Figure 23: Djaara members of the Yung Balug Clan in Boort Figure 24: Rodney Carter (DDW Group CEO) giving an interview at Wildflower
Drive promoting the Walking Together- Balak Kalik Manya project
Figure 25: Smoking ceremony for an event
20Djuwima Djandaki 8: Enterprises
Self-determination and community well-being are dependent on a sustainable Figure 26: Djandak's NRM Work Crew
economic base. Our Djandak business has grown quickly and has many roles and
responsibilities, employing many Djaara working on our country. With successful
delivery of this project, we will further show that we are good leaders and with
support there can be an increased level of Djaara enterprises in the region. We
think there are not only many opportunities for expanding our Djandak business
but also opportunities for Djaara community members to have their own
businesses. Wildflower Drive would be a good place for this to happen.
”Ideally is for us one day is for us to manage these park areas … that DDW
are the land manager and we get the funding from the government every
year to manage these spaces and have our own people employed to
manage them.” Trent Nelson, Djaara community member.
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises (Trading as Djandak) has priority for works arising or other opportunities associated with Wildflower Drive.
21Djuwima Djandaki 9: Joint management
Joint management of the Parks, including Greater Bendigo National Park, with the
State of Victoria is a significant step in the self-determination of Dja Dja Wurrung Figure 28: Joint Management Plan – Figure 29: Joint Management Plan –
people. It is recognition of our responsibilities of caring for our Djandak. Joint Strategy document Resources document
management allows Djaara to spend time on Djandak, and to work with others in
partnership to ensure best practice management of country.
For Wildflower Drive, we are showing our leadership with this project. Our
consultation showed that the wider Bendigo community has been supportive of
this presence and our work and have a sense of optimism when discussing future
park management.
Figure 27: Joint management celebrations 2018
Health status Primary goal for Djuwima Djandaki
Wildflower Drive will reintegrate into Joint Management arrangements as part of the Greater Bendigo National Park at the end of Walking
Together - Balak Kalik Manya.
22Threats
All our Djuwima Djandaki have problems that are making them unhealthy or not as healthy as they should be. Land uses with colonialisation have caused lots of problems
for our Djandak, for the plants and animals, for our cultural heritage and for Djaara. Wildflower Drive is no exception to this, and these problems and their causes are
threatening the health of the Park. Our Djandak needs healing. As part of looking after our Djuwima Djandaki, we need to stop or reduce the threats.
The threats to our Djuwima Djandaki of Wildflower Drive line up with many of the priority challenges outlined in the Joint Management Plan. They are also strongly linked to
the challenges to the goals in our Country Plan. Our knowledge about the threats comes from
Djaara, the Joint Management Plan, the Country Plan, Parks Victoria, and was also informed by the community consultation forums, the flora and fauna, cultural heritage
and visitor surveys undertaken during the planning process.
We have identified one primary goal for each main threat. If we reach all the primary goals, then we will achieve our Vision and Wildflower Drive will be healthy. Each primary
goal has one or more strategies linked to it. The primary goals for each main threat may also be goals for other threats. These connections between primary and other goals
and the relevant strategies will be detailed in our work and monitoring plans.
23Threat ratings
We have assessed the main threats to our Djuwima Djandaki according to their scope, severity and reversibility. The plan will help reduce the threat rating, particularly those
threats that have a Medium to Very High rating at the commencement of the plan. Our threat rating system is described below.
Rating Threat rating description Symbol
The threat can possibly or will probably destroy or remove part or all of a Djuwima Djandaki if the current situation continues. If this
Very High
happens, it may not be possible to improve the health of the Djuwima Djandaki.
The threat is probably going to cause serious damage to part or all of the Djuwima Djandaki if the current situation continues. If this
High
happens it would be very expensive and hard to improve the health of the Djuwima Djandaki.
The threat is probably going to cause moderate damage to part or all of the Djuwima Djandaki if the current situation continues. If this
Medium
happens it will require a reasonable effort and amount of money to improve the health of the Djuwima Djandaki.
The threat is probably going to result in a very small amount of damage to part or all of the Djuwima Djandaki if the current situation
Low
continues. If this happens, it will require minimal effort and resource to improve the health of the Djuwima Djandaki..
24Threat 1: Inadequate capacity and resources
One of the main issues raised during the community consultation for development
Figure305: Djandak's NRM Work Crew
of this plan, by both Djaara and the wider community, was that there is minimal
on-ground management of Wildflower Drive, and that the Wildflower Drive
environment is suffering because of this. The community acknowledges that Parks
Victoria has large areas to cover that stretch the staffing and resources allocated
for the region but the community do not accept that these inhibiting factors by
current land managers excuse them from the current issues associated with
Wildflower Drive.
The Walking Together - Balak Kalik Manya pilot project has boosted the financial
capacity and other resources, and capability with Djaara involvement, for
Wildflower Drive, and the community can see, and are excited about, Wildflower
Drive being more effectively managed. There has been an increase in Djaara
presence and more active on-ground works and activities. This plan will see the
delivery of further on-ground facilities and more on-ground management
activities. Djaara and the wider community have expressed concern that all the
good work carried out under this pilot project will be wasted if there is inadequate
ongoing management. It is also really important to Djaara that they do not lose
the deeper connection to Wildflower Drive that has come with the project.
Threat rating Goal for main threat
Djandak has the capability, financial capacity and other resources to continue effective management of Wildflower Drive.
25Threat 2: Lack of respect for Djaara knowledge
Djaara knowledge is a combination of traditional knowledge passed down from
Figure 31: Djandak Wi Crew
our ancestors, as well as knowledge we have acquired in more recent times since
colonisation and through science. Many of our elders hold cultural information
that is specific to Djandak. This knowledge is about lore, songs, stories, food
preparation, gardening or farming the environment, tool making and technologies,
wi and looking after cultural sites. It is important that this knowledge is respected
by, and passed on to, younger generations of Djaara and the wider community.
Many Djaara have also gained knowledge and experience working with Parks
Victoria and from training and university. We believe that with our combined
knowledge we have the capability to effectively manage Wildflower Drive - to
achieve our vision and meet the expectations of the wider community. We also
believe that the wider Bendigo community respects Djaara knowledge and our
involvement in managing Wildflower Drive. We believe we are part of the solution.
“A really good philosophy … we are just trying to heal country and make it
back to a better place, a healthier place, and that’s actually why you [non-
Djaara community] love it. So, to allow us that freedom to drive this and
push it, is really positive, and now all our children and grandchildren grow
up in a better world.” Rodney Carter, Djaara community member and
DDWCAC CEO.
Threat rating Primary goal for main threat
Djaara and Djaara knowledge is respected in the management of Wildflower Drive.
26Threat 3: Inappropriate wi
There is an increasing interest in re-establishing cultural burning, or right-way wi Wi has been used as a management tool by Djaara for thousands of generations.
(fire), into the landscape. This interest is in part due to the large devastating Waa (Fire Dreaming - Raven), with his brother Bunjil, are Djaara and other Kulin
bushfires in recent years across much of south-eastern Australia. people’s moieties of their traditional patrilineal kinship system. Using burt (smoke)
is a cleansing practice for both Djaara and Djandak.
“After the big bushfires we have had a lot of people starting to consider
cultural burning practices … there is definitely more knowledge being Djaara are carrying out more cultural burns, wi, with support and assistance from
sought.” Aunty Kerri Douglas, Djaara community member. the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks
Victoria. Those involved in these collaborations feel that the practice has multiple
However, there is misunderstanding about cultural burning. Cultural burning is not
benefits; for natural and cultural heritage, as well as a decolonising process by
fuel or hazard reduction. Cultural burning is about using wi to promote the health
empowering Traditional Owners to take the lead in managing country. We want
of plants and animals, including culturally important food and fibre plants. It can
to re-introduce more dhelkunya wi (healing fire) back into Djandak.
help with recovery of threatened species and general biodiversity. It is also about
protecting cultural heritage places. However, in a contemporary setting, cultural “We need Djandak wi in the landscape to support our food and fibre and
burning may have an important role to play in managing fuel loads and hazards animals.” Trent Nelson, Djaara community member.
close to sensitive areas such as houses or critical habitat for threatened species.
“Djaara, as cultural firekeepers, have a duty to our ancestors to reconnect
“Some plants, because there has been a lack of burning and water, will sit with Djandak Wi and manage our country to benefit all environment and
dormant in the ground until you get a burn and a big water that’s when community.” Harley Douglas, Djandak employee.
they will pop their heads up.” Deb Dunolly, Djaara community member.
Our flora and fauna surveys report recommended that habitat structure,
Cultural burning usually involves small highly managed cool patch burns. They are particularly for threatened species, be protected. Such protection is
similar to prescribed ecological burns but with a cultural component. We believe consistent with wi.
our management of Wildflower Drive, and other protected areas in our Djandak,
can help demystify that misunderstanding.
Threat rating Primary goal for main threat
Djandak wi will be re-established back into Wildflower Drive landscape on an ongoing basis.
27Figure 32: Recent fuel reduction burn at Wildflower Drive Figure 33: Scorch marks on the tree trunk indicate flame height near canopy
28Figure 34: Coppiced Red Stringybark fallen after being burnt Figure 35: Large flame height show the intensity of fire
Figure 36 Scorched tree after routine fuel reduction burning
This is a common sight after fuel reduction burns in smaller trees that are not
protected in some way that larger trees are.
29Threat 4: Weeds
Fifty-six exotic plant species are recorded for Wildflower Drive. Weeds are one of
Associated with the priority area of weeds at Wildflower Drive are kids cubbies
the main threats to Wildflower Drive - being surrounded by residential properties
and play areas, as this adjoins residential properties. Neighbouring properties will
and having garden cuttings dumped onsite. Weeds inhibit native plant growth,
be consulted about the use of herbicide in sensitive areas close to their properties.
choke water places, and alter wi. Cootamundra wattles, Bluebell, Bridal Creeper
and Pampas Grass are weeds needing to be controlled at Wildflower Drive. “We can certainly make a massive change over the next couple of years
but we’ll lose those gains unless we’re continuing to manage the site ... we
Often associated with weeds are pest animals. Rabbits and hares can impact on need to make sure that we continue to manage that site. Otherwise it’s
native vegetation, and foxes, dogs and cats predate native fauna like phascogales, going to have an impact on the site, and also it can reflect negatively on
woodland birds, Pink-tailed Worm-lizard and other reptiles. Domestic animals DDW and Djandak for not delivering on what we set out to achieve.”
such as dog and cats have also been observed in the area. Our flora and fauna Rodney Carter, Djaara community member and DDWCAC CEO.
surveys report recommended management and education regarding pest species
including cats and dogs from nearby houses. Figure 37: Djandak weed spray rig
One of the problems with weed control is the funding is usually short-term. Weed
control requires long-term commitment with lots of annual follow up efforts. A
targeted approach will be taken on areas known to have higher weed infestations
than others. On the verges of Wildflower Drive, particularly the western edge
along the Coliban Water Channel there are exotic species of plants encroaching
into the park. But apart from Cootamundra Wattles and Quaking Grass, weeds are
largely absent inside the native bushland of Wildflower Drive.
Threat rating Primary goal for main threat
There will be a measurable decrease in the total weed cover across Wildflower Drive.
30Threat 5: Inappropriate visitor access and use
Figure 38: Burn- out pad
Although many of the visitors that access and use Wildflower Drive are doing the
right thing, there are activities that we think are inappropriate. Many of these
activities are not permissible under the Joint Management Plan and under the
National Parks Act 1975. There are unofficial walking and mountain bike tracks,
dumping of rubbish, including garden waste, firewood collection, camping and
lighting fires, collection and stacking of rocks, toilet waste, inappropriate vehicle
use and trail biking, and dogs off-leash. All these activities adversely impact on the
natural heritage of Wildflower Drive. They promote soil erosion and
contamination, habitat fragmentation and loss, and weed spread; not to mention
the entitlement that other misusers of the park get by witnessing other people
misuse the park. We worry about our cultural heritage and the environment being
damaged, either intentional or unintentional.
With the minimal on-ground management and Wildflower Drive being close to
urban areas without a formalised visitor entrance, managing these activities is
difficult. Djaara want to promote and support appropriate use of Wildflower Drive,
and Wildflower Drive as a Djaara place. They want to do work with other regional
authorities to both educate people about the right way to access and use
Wildflower Drive, and if appropriate, promote and support suitable alternative
areas for some of these activities.
Threat rating Primary goal for main threat
Visitor access and use of Wildflower Drive is consistent with how a national park should be appreciated, and is appropriate with the promotion
and celebration as a Djaara place for all community members to enjoy.
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