Monday, April 13, 2015

The 3rd Annual Walk to Coranderrk

I joined the 3rd Annual Walk to Coranderrk on Saturday 28 March 2015. It started at Coronation Park in Healesville and finished at Coranderrk Station, 19 Barak Lane, Healesville.

The walk commemorates the trek made by Wurundjeri elders William Barak, Simon Wonga and others during early 1863 as they searched for a permanent home for their people. The group of 40 travelled across The Great Divide, from the Acheron to the Watts River, selecting land at the junction of the Yarra River and Coranderrk Creek, now Badger Creek close to the eventual location of Healesville. The walk acknowledges and honours the quest of indigenous people to find a place of their own.

For descendants of original inhabitants, walking home to Coranderrk symbolises their people's journey as they searched for a home. Now, the walk also represents the journey into the future as Coranderrk is to be restored as a living place of belonging where everyone will be welcome: indigenous and non-indigenous. This re-enactment of part of the 1863 walk invites us all to reflect on history and to show our commitment to the strengthening of unity between all Victorians.

The rejuvenation of Coranderrk is taking place and everyone is welcomed to share the celebration of strength and survival as we walk and work together.


At Coronation Park Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson performs Welcome to Country.


© Barbara Oehring 2015
 


© Barbara Oehring 2015
  


© Barbara Oehring 2015


 Djirri Djirri Dance Group present traditional dances. 

© Barbara Oehring 2015



Giving directions before the Walk to Coranderrk.

© Barbara Oehring 2015



The walk has started.

© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015

 

© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



The turn into Barak Lane.

© Barbara Oehring 2015




© Barbara Oehring 2015

 

© Barbara Oehring 2015


Arrival at Coranderrk Station.

© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015



© Barbara Oehring 2015




© Barbara Oehring 2015




© Barbara Oehring 2015




© Barbara Oehring 2015


  
© Barbara Oehring 2015