Stakeholders from across Melbourne gathered at Woodlands Historic Park on August 6 to reaffirm their dedication to the Chain of Ponds Collaboration – a long-term initiative to restore the Moonee Ponds Creek into a vibrant, iconic waterway.
Held at the Somerton Road picnic area, the event united traditional owners, government agencies, community groups, water authorities, not-for-profits, and researchers.
Together, they celebrated the creek’s cultural and environmental significance and its enduring connection to Wurundjeri Country.
The creek’s Woi-wurrung name was unveiled: Wilami Wunmabil, meaning “home of the Bustard” or “bush turkey”, a step towards truth-telling and cultural recognition.
Stretching 35 kilometres with a 145 km² catchment, the Moonee Ponds Creek has been heavily urbanised, yet its upper reaches, including the culturally significant Woodlands Historic Park, remain largely untouched, serving as a beautiful cultural landmark for locals.
The Hume region of the creek is also rich in cultural heritage, homing more than 20 registered scar trees at Woodlands historic Park, reflecting a deep and ongoing connection to the area for the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said, “With the signing of the recommitment, partners have agreed to continue their collaborative efforts for another three years, advancing their collective work to deliver social, cultural, and environmental benefits for current and future generations”.
