FOREST Fire Management Victoria is working with Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners to reinforce cultural land management practices across the Wimmera and reduce bushfire risk to communities.
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Weather permitting, a Wotjobaluk traditional burn at the Centenary Park Camping and Picnic Area inside the Mt Arapiles-Tooan State Park was set to be undertaken on Thursday, June 28.
Aboriginal planned burns are typically cooler, slower burns where fire is lit in patches to allow the flames to take their natural paths.
These types of burns are becoming entrenched in the Wimmera Fire District’s planned burning program.
Working in partnership with Forest Fire Management Victoria, Wotjobaluk Traditional Owners have been planning this burn for some months now, as a continuation of last years’ re-introduction of ancient Aboriginal fire practices into the landscape.
Wotjobaluk Traditional Owner and Parks Victoria ranger Damien Skurrie said he was passionate about this opportunity to continue Aboriginal burning in the Mt Arapiles-Tooan landscape.
“I’m so proud to rekindle this once forgotten practice on my country and know that my ancestors are looking down and observing what we are doing,” he said.
“Being able to practice my culture is important because it’s how we connect to or identify with this country as Aboriginal people; it is important that we continue on with this practice for the generations to come.”
Barengi Gadjin chief executive officer Michael Stewart said he supported the return of traditional burning in this partnership approach.
“Fire has been an integral part of how Wotjobaluk peoples have successfully managed the land for thousands of years,” he said.
“To have our members be part of putting fire back into the landscape to help heal Country is a wonderful event for culture and history.
“This burn is critical to the restoration of Country; fire is about health of Country and of People. Seeing smoke rising from traditional burns is a powerful and healing sign for everyone.”
Forest Fire Management Victoria Wimmera District Manager Glenn Rudolph said the re-ignition of last year’s Walpa Dyurrita cultural burn would be a significant day.
“We are fortunate that we have several Wotjobaluk people within our Forest Fire Management Victoria crews who have extensive experience in contemporary fire management, and can combine current and traditional fire knowledge to better inform our burning practices,” he said.
The burn is expected to be ignited on Thursday, June 28.
Residents and motorists along Western Highway between Garoke and Horsham may see or smell smoke associated with this planned burn.
