TRAIL signs sharing Noongar history have been unveiled in Alkimos for Reconciliation Week.
Lands and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt launched three innovative interpretive signage trails celebrating Indigenous and local history at LandCorp’s Alkimos Beach estate on Saturday morning.
Marking Reconciliation Week, the trails were designed to promote cultural awareness and celebrate the rich Indigenous contribution to the culture of the area and create a permanent learning trail around the community.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“The Alkimos Beach interpretive signage trails are a fantastic opportunity for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to gain a greater understanding of the culture and lands that we live with and on,” Mr Wyatt said.
“This is a fitting way to acknowledge our Aboriginal heritage amongst our stunning coastline and the beautiful landscape on the fringe of our city.
“These uplifting trails, located close to Perth, allow for a better understanding of Aboriginal culture that was here long before European settlement.”
The minister joined Lendlease and LandCorp development partners, Aboriginal elders and their families and those who shared their audio stores for the Interpretive Signage Trails to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievement that are contributing to reconciliation in Australia.
The event featured Aboriginal song and didgeridoo performances, traditional face painting, a bush tucker themed morning tea and guided walking tours by Noongar Man Danny Ford.
The network of three trails across the 224ha Alkimos Beach community feature information about Noongar history, recent history, sustainability and local flora and fauna.
The Family Loop, a 2km trail that takes in the Noongar-inspired Graceful Park includes eight audio recordings that feature a Welcome to Country, Noongar stories, stories about recent local history as well as local birdlife.
The Noongar audio stories that were compiled in consultation with local elders include “Looking after Country: A story of creation and sacred responsibility” and “Lovers: an old Noongar story about the morning and easterly winds and the afternoon sou’wester”.
Alkimos Beach Project director Anthony Rowbottam said the trails were designed to enhance the community’s experience and understanding of the place, provide information regarding the sustainability initiatives and encourage movement and activity through the open spaces.
The trails were designed in collaboration with Kambarang Aboriginal Corporation and Ecoscape, together with the City of Wanneroo and community groups.
Find more information about the trails here.