The Indigenous Interpretive Garden project at the newly redeveloped Central Goldfields Art Gallery has entered the next stage.
The project, jointly funded by the Victorian Government and Council, will sit alongside the Gallery in the open space on the corner of Neill and Campbell Street.
The Garden is being designed collaboratively with Dja Dja Wurrung community representatives and artists.
It will weave important cultural elements and references to local sites and practices, celebrated through art and design elements that will be integrated into the garden.
At the heart of this partnership project between Council and DJAARA (the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation) is the principle of listening and working together with the Traditional Owners of the land that we are on.
A group of Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge holders met recently for a wartaka, which means "come together with purpose".
The wartaka progressed the design concepts and provided further cultural guidance for the project.
The wartaka also provided Dja Dja Wurrung People an opportunity to offer feedback and input about the arts and cultural elements to be integrated into the next stages of the project, as it moves closer to delivery.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Cr Grace La Vella said Council was thrilled to see the project move to the next step.
"The original concept designs for the project were developed from the first wartaka which was held during the first phase of the project in October 2021 so this will be a chance for the Project Group to come together again to ensure a strong partnership approach to the project.
"The Indigenous Interpretive Garden will be a welcome addition to our beautiful Gallery as well as a public space for mixing, celebrating unique past and present stories, learning, understanding, healing, and reconciliation.
"The cultural elements to be embedded in the Garden will recognise and acknowledge the Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners, celebrate the living culture of the Dja Dja Wurrung People, as well as share significant cultural heritage and demonstrate the continuation of all relationships within Country.
"The location of the Garden within this key civic precinct will also ensure that there are everyday opportunities for Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge and values to be celebrated and shared with visitors and the local community."
Dja Dja Wurrung Group CEO Rodney Carter welcomed the partnership with Central Goldfields Shire Council.
"Through this partnership with the Shire, we're embedding Dja Dja Wurrung People and Culture back on djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country) for everyone to enjoy," Mr Carter said.
"It is important for Dja Dja Wurrung People that our Culture is visible on djandak, and we are proud to share it with the whole community."
