A state government move to install road signs recognising the indigenous heritage of areas such as Wyndham has been welcomed by the group that protects the south-west region’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Roads Minister Luke Donnellan visited Wyndham last week to unveil four Welcome to Country signs, which acknowledge the Wadawurrung people, the traditional owners of the land bounded by Werribee, Bacchus Marsh, Anglesea and Beaufort.
Mr Donnellan said Wyndham’s four signs, on the Princes Freeway and Geelong, Heaths and Ballan roads at Werribee, were developed with the Wadawurrung people to help promote a broader understanding of indigenous heritage among Victorians.
“The signs celebrate Aboriginal culture and recognise the symbolic importance of the area to the Wadawurrung people,” he said.
“We have worked closely with the Wadawurrung people to ensure that the design and location of the signs reflect their important connection to the land.”
Wadawurrung cultural heritage projects officer Sean Fagan said the signs were an important step forward for the region’s indigenous community.
“The signage is extremely significant to Wadawurrung people,” he said.
“This has given the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation a great opportunity to work collaboratively with the government to promote recognition and respect for Wadawurrung people as traditional owners.”
