On Wednesday 6 August, representatives from across Melbourne gathered at the Somerton Road Picnic Area in Woodlands Historic Park to reaffirm their commitment to the Chain of Ponds Collaboration – an ambitious, long-term effort to transform the Moonee Ponds Creek into a vibrant, iconic waterway – and to welcome the Wurundjeri as an official collaboration partner.
The recommitment ceremony brought together Traditional Owners, local and state government agencies, community groups, not-for-profits, water authorities, and research organisations – all united by a shared vision to restore and revitalise the creek. The event also honoured and celebrated Wurundjeri's living culture, recognising the enduring cultural and environmental significance of the creek and its surrounding landscape.
As part of the ceremony, there was an announcement of the Woi-wurrung name of the creek, Wilami Wunmabil, meaning 'home of the Bustard', or bush turkey. . This change signifies the strong ties the collaboration has with the indigenous community, and the meaningful steps towards truth-telling, cultural recognition, and reconciliation.
The Moonee Ponds Creek is 35 kilometres long, with a 145 km² catchment. Historically, its lower reaches consisted of a natural chain of ponds that flowed into the 'Blue Lagoon' or West Melbourne Swamp, before major drainage and infrastructure works in the late 1800s altered its course. Today, the creek joins the Yarra River at Docklands and is regarded as one of Melbourne's most impacted urban waterways.
Despite heavy urbanisation in its lower reaches, the headwaters and upper sections of the catchment – located within the Hume City Council area – remain largely undisturbed and strikingly beautiful. This region is also rich in cultural heritage, including more than 20 registered scar trees at Woodlands Historic Park, reflecting the deep and ongoing connection of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to the land.
The Chain of Ponds Collaboration brings together a broad group of partners, including:
- Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
- Hume City Council, Merri-bek City Council , Moonee Valley City Council and Melbourne City Council
- Melbourne Water, Greater Western Water, Yarra Valley Water
- Parks Victoria
- Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek
- Moonee Valley BUG (Bicycle Users Group)
- Living Colour Studios
- Conservation Volunteers Australia
- Kensington Association
Quotes attributable to Hume City Mayor, Cr Jarrod Bell:
This recommitment marks an important step in our continued shared journey. By working together, we are not only restoring a vital waterway but also celebrating and strengthening the cultural and environmental values that make this place so significant."
With the signing of the recommitment, partners have agreed to continue their collaborative efforts for another three years, advancing their collective work to deliver social, cultural, and environmental benefits for current and future generations.