Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Melbourne Water celebrate one year of partnership
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) and Melbourne Water are proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their partnership during this NAIDOC Week.
Together, the organisations say they are committed to “Keeping the Fire Burning” through action and collaboration in caring for Country and Water.
“Partnerships which assist us to achieve Wadawurrung’s aspirations are vital to WTOAC,” says Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Mary.
“Meaningful partnerships are so important. If Wadawurrung People are the ‘fire’, then partners like Melbourne Water are the support that ‘keep the fire burning’. They believe in and walk alongside us to support our primary role to care for Wadawurrung Country and People, it is for this commitment I say nyatne (thank you),” she said.
“Walking Country together has shown us that true partnership thrives on shared knowledge and respect,” said Vivien Allimonos, Melbourne Water Executive General Manager for Customer, Community, and External Affairs.
Over the past year, the partnership has focussed on building strong relationships and sharing knowledge through on-Country visits, yarns, and workshops.
Wadawurrung Culture and art have guided the design of a new Education Centre at Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant Education Centre and the partners are embarking on restoring vital grassland habitats together.
This partnership guides how Wadawurrung and Melbourne Water work together to support and implement the Paleert Tjaara Dja Wadawurrung Country Plan.
It also reflects Melbourne Water’s commitment to working with Traditional Owners to protect and enhance our waterways and surrounding environments.
“We look forward to continuing this journey together, respecting and integrating traditional knowledge into our practices,” said Ms Allimonos.
“There is a lot for us to learn and unlearn, but together, we are Wunggurwill Ngiitj (Strong Together).”
Media contacts
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation
0437 177 735
[email protected]
Melbourne Water
03 9679 7004
[email protected]