It's been a long time coming, but you couldn't wipe the smiles off faces Friday afternoon as the Bundian Way cultural project received a $10million state government grant.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Member for Bega Andrew Constance made the announcement to a very grateful group of representatives from the Eden Local Aboriginal Lands Council and Twofold Aboriginal Corporation, who have been petitioning for support over many years.
The Bundian Way is receiving $7.1m to build a stretch of track from Jigamy Farm to Fisheries Beach, while a further $2.9m has been given to the Jigamy Farm campground.
It comes after many years of struggling to receive government funding, even with repeatedly stated support from local MPs.
RELATED COVERAGE:
"Ossie said to me 'we need to do something that brings everyone together, regardless of background, and to be able to celebrate and recognise the Bundian Way which is incredibly special to our Aboriginal community but also to us all, so we all grow together," Mr Constance said.
"It's something that's been talked about for too many years
"For us it's very important that we recognise the Bundian Way as an international icon, not only an Australian one, because of the incredible journey that took place generation after generation, moving from the coast to the mountains."
Mr Constance said it was also "an incredible opportunity" for young Indigenous people to be involved in the construction of the pathway as it gets "turbocharged".
Chairman of the Eden LALC BJ Cruse expressed his appreciation to the state government and Mr Constance.
"The Bundian Way to me means a great opportunity for Aboriginal people to make a positive contribution to the wellbeing of all citizens," he said.
"The Bundian Way also represents opportunities for our people to resurrect and maintain important Aboriginal cultural heritage as well as providing important infrastructure for the regional economy."
READ ALSO
The two grants will help provide an integrated experience for travellers, with infrastructure upgrades to provide amenities to the campground at Jigamy Farm and then a formed path on the 40km to town and beyond.
There will also be 130-site campground near the Towamba River for walkers preparing to take on the remainder of the trail
Mr Cruse said the money would go towards not only the track, but interpretation centres, viewing platforms and service amenities along the ancient route, which all up winds 365km from Turemulerrer (Twofold Bay) to Targangal (Mount Kosciuszko).
CEO of the Eden LALC Mark Bateman said the development of the Bundian Way would not only see Indigenous work, but an Indigenous workforce, with plenty of young Aboriginal people already skilled up in the various fields needed to get work underway early in the new year.
Among the key drivers was the opportunity to provide "an authentic cultural Indigenous experience".
"And what we're doing creates repeat visitors and shows Aboriginal people are the real economic drivers of the Bega Valley Shire," Mr Bateman said.
"I think of it as we are the string that connects all the pearls."
Have your say. Send us a letter to the editor using the form below
