on 29 August 2018
On driving through Ararat recently we stopped and talked with the group of Aboriginal activists who’ve been camped out for months, fighting to save a group of ancient trees that are sacred to the local Djap Wurrung people – including an ancient birthing tree. These trees were marked for felling as part of the government’s widening of the highway.
The oldest trees are irreplaceable, as are the cultural, historical and emotional connections with the site. This needs to be acknowledged.
It seems there is some hope, and their voices are being heard. After recognising the importance of the site, road works there have been suspended. Let’s hope the cultural overlay of Australia’s First Peoples is respected and these 700-year-old beauties that are culturally significant to so many are saved.
Show your support by signing the petition to help save these trees here.