lost at sea project: protecting seal rock's, millowl
Phillip Island, Victoria, [September 2024] – The Lost at Sea Project, a groundbreaking partnership between Monash University, Phillip Island Nature Parks, and the Bunurong Land Council (Aboriginal Corporation), is set to embark on an ambitious journey to study Seal Rocks, the largest Australian fur seal colony.
Seal Rocks, covering 8 hectares, is home to approximately 19,000 Australian Fur Seals. This key breeding area, located 2-5 meters above sea level, has been increasingly inundated by rising sea levels during major storms. The area has also experienced significant erosion, endangering the seals' breeding grounds. Led by Dr Rebecca McIntosh, Senior Scientist at the Nature Parks, the project aims to address the rapid impacts of climate change on this critical habitat and its rich Bunurong Cultural Values.
“This is an exciting project for the teams involved, especially those taking the voyage to Seal Rocks to complete the assessment. Phillip Island is known by its Traditional Owners, the Bunurong (community), as Millowl. It is part of Victoria’s Kulin Nation and is steeped in a cultural history dating back tens of thousands of years,” said Dr McIntosh.
The Bunurong Land Council (Aboriginal Corporation), the Traditional Custodians of Millowl (Phillip Island) and Seal Rocks, have identified this volcanic sea landscape as culturally significant. Their invaluable knowledge and deep connection to Bunurong Sea Country make their participation in the project crucial. Rising sea levels and increasing erosion necessitate an urgent Cultural Values Assessment to capture critical information before it is lost forever. This project will mark the first stage of a three-year effort to document and protect the cultural values and environmental treasures of Seal Rock.
Seal Rocks, covering 8 hectares, is home to approximately 19,000 Australian Fur Seals. This key breeding area, located 2-5 meters above sea level, has been increasingly inundated by rising sea levels during major storms. The area has also experienced significant erosion, endangering the seals' breeding grounds. Led by Dr Rebecca McIntosh, Senior Scientist at the Nature Parks, the project aims to address the rapid impacts of climate change on this critical habitat and its rich Bunurong Cultural Values.
“This is an exciting project for the teams involved, especially those taking the voyage to Seal Rocks to complete the assessment. Phillip Island is known by its Traditional Owners, the Bunurong (community), as Millowl. It is part of Victoria’s Kulin Nation and is steeped in a cultural history dating back tens of thousands of years,” said Dr McIntosh.
The Bunurong Land Council (Aboriginal Corporation), the Traditional Custodians of Millowl (Phillip Island) and Seal Rocks, have identified this volcanic sea landscape as culturally significant. Their invaluable knowledge and deep connection to Bunurong Sea Country make their participation in the project crucial. Rising sea levels and increasing erosion necessitate an urgent Cultural Values Assessment to capture critical information before it is lost forever. This project will mark the first stage of a three-year effort to document and protect the cultural values and environmental treasures of Seal Rock.
Uncle Anthony Egan Joins Elders' Voice Standing Group - Treaty Victoria
The First Peoples' Assembly, the representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria, proudly welcomes Uncle Anthony Egan Bunurong Elder to the esteemed Elders' Voice Standing Group - Treaty Victoria.
As preparations for negotiating a Statewide Treaty with the Victorian Government later this year gain momentum, the Elders' Voice Standing Group assumes a pivotal role in providing cultural guidance to the Assembly's elected Members. Together, they are committed to paving the way for a brighter future, rooted in respect, understanding, and shared prosperity.
Uncle Anthony Egan Bunurong Elder, a respected member of the Bunurong community, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role. His involvement in various committees, including the Reconciliation committees, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water, South Coast Dhelk Dja, Bass Coast Reconciliation Network (BCRN), Bass Coast Health - First Peoples Advisory, and Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, underscores his dedication to representing Indigenous interests and fostering community empowerment.
The Assembly, comprising 32 Members elected by Aboriginal communities across Victoria, is actively engaging with communities to gather ideas and feedback in preparation for the upcoming negotiations. The Elders’ Voice Standing Group, with Uncle Anthony Egan Bunurong Elder among its esteemed members, will provide invaluable cultural insight and wisdom throughout the negotiation process.
As preparations for negotiating a Statewide Treaty with the Victorian Government later this year gain momentum, the Elders' Voice Standing Group assumes a pivotal role in providing cultural guidance to the Assembly's elected Members. Together, they are committed to paving the way for a brighter future, rooted in respect, understanding, and shared prosperity.
Uncle Anthony Egan Bunurong Elder, a respected member of the Bunurong community, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role. His involvement in various committees, including the Reconciliation committees, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Westernport Water, South Coast Dhelk Dja, Bass Coast Reconciliation Network (BCRN), Bass Coast Health - First Peoples Advisory, and Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group, underscores his dedication to representing Indigenous interests and fostering community empowerment.
The Assembly, comprising 32 Members elected by Aboriginal communities across Victoria, is actively engaging with communities to gather ideas and feedback in preparation for the upcoming negotiations. The Elders’ Voice Standing Group, with Uncle Anthony Egan Bunurong Elder among its esteemed members, will provide invaluable cultural insight and wisdom throughout the negotiation process.
BUNURONG LAND COUNCIL ABORIGINAL CORPORATION
APPOINT NEW CEO
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of its new CEO, Jody Irwin, who will join the organisation in January 2024. Ms Irwin was the unanimous choice of the CEO selection panel which interviewed five finalist candidates in December 2023. Over 120 candidates were considered for this important position.
This will be Ms Irwin's second Aboriginal Corporation leadership role, having been CEO of Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service (Aboriginal Corporation) from 2019-2023 where she provided well-regarded senior stewardship of the corporation through a very challenging time for the region. She brings considerable strengths in strategy and operations planning, program delivery, organisational improvement and staff development. The selection panel particularly valued her commitment to building positive team culture through respectful leadership and mentoring, and her track record in building member engagement in the corporation's key role as an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation. Jody holds a Bachelor of Business, Graduate Certificates in Indigenous Communities and Public Health and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
This will be Ms Irwin's second Aboriginal Corporation leadership role, having been CEO of Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service (Aboriginal Corporation) from 2019-2023 where she provided well-regarded senior stewardship of the corporation through a very challenging time for the region. She brings considerable strengths in strategy and operations planning, program delivery, organisational improvement and staff development. The selection panel particularly valued her commitment to building positive team culture through respectful leadership and mentoring, and her track record in building member engagement in the corporation's key role as an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation. Jody holds a Bachelor of Business, Graduate Certificates in Indigenous Communities and Public Health and a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL MEDIA RELEASE HERE
Bunurong land council's cultural collaboration at new pakenham station
Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation are excited to collaborate on the design of the new Pakenham Station Precinct as part of the Victorian Level Crossing Removal Project. The design of the station incorporates materials, landscaping, and structural elements that honour the rich history and Stories of Country in the local area. The project is set for completion in 2025, contributing to the Pakenham Line's transformation into a level crossing-free route. This complements the Metro Tunnel, expanding capacity, granting access to new CBD stations, and enhancing service reliability for Pakenham and Cranbourne line commuters. Read more about the project here.
