Due to the harsh Australian environment and associated stress, plants need to protect themselves. Accordingly, many have much higher nutritional value than those found in European diets.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples diets were much more responsive to cycles of nature; they know when orchids and acacias are in flower, when Coastal Ballart (pallart) bears fruit
and when the short-finned eel (kooyang) head out to sea.
For many years, we've been exploring bush food plants that will grow and produce in our climate, in consultation with members of the Gunditjmara Co-op and also some professional growers.
More recently this has expanded to trials of bigger plantings of things like murnong (Microseris lanceolata) which were once staples of Indigenous agriculture in local areas.
In celebration of National Reconciliation Week 2023, we invite our community to
- hear about why we have an Indigenous recognition area
- come and take a look at the range of plants we're growing
- have a taste of the bush tucker that's in season
- see how some might fit into your garden
- hear about the long history of our site
- reflect on Reconciliation Week and the theme Be a Voice for Generations
Tours will run at 4pm and 5pm, donation appreciated.