Peaceful: Some 20 years after work began, Benalla's Aboriginal Garden is complete.
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The development of the Aboriginal Garden next to Lake Benalla is nearing completion.
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Twelve months of work on the site has seen new curved paths connecting the original part of the garden to the water’s edge and seating areas for individuals or groups along the way installed.
In 2003, when planning for the garden began, Elders from the three local mobs, the Yorta Yorta Nation, the Bpangerang and the Taungurung, came together to guide the choice of location.
The site among the red gums and near the water was chosen for its sense of peace.
The animal totems of these mobs have been carved by local Elder Chris Thorne into the three sides of a large rock placed at the meeting of the new paths.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said working with the local Aboriginal community, and the Tomorrow Today Foundation, to design and construct the garden was an important project.
“The Aboriginal Garden is a space designed to bring the community together,” Cr Hearn said.
“Benalla was an important meeting place for the Yorta Yorta, Bpangerang and Taungurung people and with this garden we can acknowledge that history.
Communal: A Tomorrow Today PEEP group enjoying the new circular resting place in Benalla's Aboriginal Garden.
“These gardens give you a sense of safety and trust, as you meander through the different sections of learning, dreaming, and embracing the indigenous culture.
“People are encouraged to take time to relax and connect with this wonderful creative garden.
“We want everyone that visits the garden to get an understanding of the long history of Aboriginal culture of this region.
“Many thanks to Uncle Chris Thorne for his foresight and vision, and Sally Gamble and the team at the Tomorrow Today for staying true to this project.”
Visitors are now welcomed to the Aboriginal Garden by a large interpretive sign at each of the two main entrances.
The totem carvings featured in the signs are cut out of steel, which will gradually rust with time, taking on an earthy hue.
Tomorrow Today’s Sally Gamble said other improvements included steel edging of the original garden beds and significant planting.
“In 2002, Chris Thorne came to Tomorrow Today with the idea of creating a special place that would recognise the Aboriginal history of our area and create a healing and knowledge sharing place of benefit to all,” Ms Gamble said.
“Working with Chris, Tomorrow Today has coordinated the project from inception, bringing together Aboriginal Elders, community members, council and funders.
“Strong community and volunteer involvement has been critical to the project from the beginning and just as important in this latest phase.
“We appreciate the time given by volunteers at a recent planting day, Winton Wetlands’ donation of seating rocks for the new section, and the work underway by Aligned Engineering to fabricate a number of removable steel bollards, soon to be installed.
“Twenty years on it is wonderful to see the final section of the garden is now complete.
“This was only possible thanks to the strong support of Benalla Rural City Council and generous funding from the Victorian Government.”
An official opening of the garden will be held in spring.
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