This Reconciliation Week, DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, invites the community to a free event at 11am this Sunday to honour the Guildford Biyal (Red gum) – one of Victoria’s most significant trees, known by many as ‘the Guildford Big Tree’.
The event is part of DJAARA’s Guildford Biyal Project, which came about after the Biyal dropped a significant limb weighing 25 tonnes in February 2024.
Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung) woman Kerri Douglas who was one of the first on the scene after the limb dropped,
“For Djaara, this Biyal is a very special tree: it’s a ‘ring tree’ – where grafted branches act as a signpost to mark this as a place of cultural significance on Country,” Ms Douglas said.
“The limb drop was a big shock for Djaara – as it was for many in the community. The Honouring Day is an opportunity for everyone in the community who loves this tree to come together to celebrate the tree and pay homage.
“All are welcome – we recommend arriving early as Fryers Street will be closed from 11am. Allow time for parking – you don’t want to miss the ceremony,” Ms Douglas said.
The event is part of DJAARA’s Guildford Biyal Project, which was set up following the limb drop as a way to bring the community together and to make sure the timber was appropriately honoured.
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