As part of this year’s Seniors Festival, locals are invited to step into history and culture with a guided walk along the Keelbundoora Scarred Tree and Heritage Trail at RMIT’s Bundoora campus, named after a Wurundjeri clan ancestor present at the Batman Treaty signing.
With the area being dense in cultural history, learn about the history of Australia’s scarred trees, born out of an Indigenous practice of deliberately removing bark or wood for resources.
The event, taking place at 10.30am on Friday, October 10, offers participants the chance to connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage through some of the area’s most significant landmarks.
RMIT’s Bundoora campus is home to six scarred trees, rare and fragile reminders of traditional resource harvesting practices carried out by Wurrundjeri peoples for hundreds of generations, with the trees telling stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to country.
The gentle walk is designed to help visitors appreciate both the natural beauty of the park and the cultural knowledge embedded in the landscape.
Organisers say the experience is a meaningful way to celebrate Seniors Festival 2025, while paying tribute to the wisdom of Elders who carry these traditions forward.
Light refreshments will be provided after the walk. Bookings are essential, with attendees asked to meet under the white canopy at the relocated Scarred Tree area on campus, where Positive Ageing banners will be displayed.
To reserve a place, contact council’s Ageing Well team on 9217 2170 and select option 4.
