Shoalhaven’s ‘glossy Country’ will be celebrated this weekend (10/12) with a Family Fun Day at Bomaderry Creek, and all are welcome to connect with glossy black-cockatoo storylines and landscapes.
Rob Broad, Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer with the Department of Planning and Environment said the event is being hosted by the ‘Healthy Country for Glossy Black-cockatoos Project’, and will be a day of storytelling, yarning, dancing, eating and kids’ activities.
“The Family Fun Day and wider Project aim to reconnect Aboriginal people to glossy black habitat on the south coast,” said Mr Broad.
“What better way to get together, share knowledge of the landscape and species than with a Family Fun Day.
“The Dharawal and Dhurga language speaking communities maintain strong cultural connections to this species.
“We are creating opportunities for on-Country learning and healing, a space to share traditional knowledge and stories to help find ways to restore glossy black-cockatoo landscapes after the bushfires,” Mr Broad said.
The Project is driven by Aboriginal Advisory Group members who will be yarning this weekend at the Fun Day and asking people to record sightings of the majestic birds.
Jared Brown, member of the Aboriginal Advisory Group, said the glossy black-cockatoo is so important because it is a relative of his totem.
“I find it a cultural responsibility to care for the glossies as a part of my community, just like I would look after my elders and young ones,” said Mr Brown.
“Young and old, anyone who can contribute their time and input into the glossies will mean success for the project and the species.
“If you can’t make the Family Fun Day but still want to help this species recover, you can report all sightings to iNaturalist and we’ll use that data to inform our Healthy Country Planning,” said Mr Brown.
