Blue Mountains icon declared Aboriginal Place

The Three Sisters landmark has been officially declared an Aboriginal Place. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The world-famous Three Sisters landmark at Echo Point, Katoomba, last Sunday officially became the 98th place in NSW to be declared of cultural, social and historic significance to the Aboriginal community.

The area down into the valley below the Three Sisters has traditionally been used as a ceremonial space with legend telling how the Three Sisters came to be the land formations they are today. The area is highly valued by the Aboriginal peoples of the Gundangurra, Wiradjuri, Tharawal and Darug nations.

BMLOT chairman Randall Walker attended an official ceremony to recognise the location as an Aboriginal Place.

Gundungurra members perform at the site

Aunty Sharyn Halls of Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association shared a Welcome to Country. She and Aunty Merle Williams worked closely with Glen Meade of NPWS to achieve the Aboriginal Place status.

Mulyang Dance Troupe of Gundungurra Tribal Council (Aunty Sharon Brown) delivered a traditional dance performance and State Environment and Heritage Minister Robyn Parker MP attended the announcement. (Ms Parker also provided a foreword to the landmark publication, Aboriginal Cultural Experience Guide, for the six Aboriginal language groups of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.)

Other notable attendees were Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill and Councillors Daniel Myles and Don McGregor; Blue Mountains State MP Roza Sage; new NPWS Blue Mountains regional manager Alan Henderson and other NPWS representatives emcee Glen Meade, Richard Kingswood and Jacqueline Reid; and David Holmes Chris Cannell from BMATA.

Formal proceedings were held at Waradah Aboriginal Centre, where owner Farid Nayer employs mainly local Aboriginal dancers.

Blue Mountains State MP Roza Sage, Aunty Sharyn Halls, State Environment and Heritage Minister Robyn Parker, Aunty Merle Williams and Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Randall Walker attend the ceremony

Festival of Walking continues

Aboriginal artist Thomas Brown creates chalk drawings at The Gully. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Three launches, free activities, bush tucker, Aboriginal culture and a walk marked the opening of the annual Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) Festival of Walking last Saturday.

Gundungurra elder Aunty Sharyn Halls. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Held at The Gully historic site at Katoomba, the opening was attended by about 250 visitors including Gundungurra elders and event hosts Aunty Sharyn Halls and Aunty Merle Williams; other Gundungurra, Darug and other Aboriginal language groups; Aunty Sharon Brown who provided bush tucker; Blue Mountains councillors; Blue Mountains State MP Roza Sage; Macquarie Federal MP Louise Markus; National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Blue Mountains City Council staff; Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute (BMWHI) members; and Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area chairwoman Joan Domicelj.

The event was organised by BMLOT in collaboration with The Gully Traditional Owners, Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association, NPWS, BMCC and other activity providers with funding support from Destination NSW.

This year’s Festival of Walking featured the Blue Mountains Blue Wave re-enactment walk team. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

As well as interpretive walks, Aboriginal art and cultural activities, the Blue Mountains Blue Wave 1813 explorers re-enactment walk team including John O’Sullivan and Uncle Graeme Cooper and Junior Rangers Choir, highlights were the launches of the Aboriginal Cultural Experience Guide for the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, the iconic Grand Cliff Top Walk, a partnership between BMLOT, the council, BMWHI and NPWS; and latest series of Bush Trackers guides (walks for kids by kids) including one for The Gully.

BMLOT chairman Randall Walker said: “Thank you to everyone involved in the festival, the opening and the new products and experiences launched on the day.’’

Special guest Kimberly country Aboriginal elder Neville Poelina praised the festival as an inclusive outdoor activity and encouraged everyone – Aboriginal and non-indigenous – to explore country with an Aboriginal guide local to that area to fully experience the region.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

In launching the festival, Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill thanked festival instigator Marie Wood and said it celebrated many World Heritage Area values including Aboriginal culture, conservation history in Australia and “the joy of walking in our land’’.

The Festival of Walking will continue throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region until October 13 with a program of activities for all interests and fitness levels.

Go to www.festivalofwalking.com.au for festival information and bookings.

The Festival of Walking opening involved organisation by a host of people from Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism, Blue Mountains City Council, the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute and NPWS. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Flee to the hills this weekend

The annual Festival of Walking kicks off with a range of free activities in the Blue Mountains on Saturday, October 5. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Are you a claustrophobic, pacifist republican on a budget who loathes the grittiness of sea salt on your skin and is already breaking out in nervous hives at the thought of a million people descending on Sydney this long weekend?

There is a solution.

Come up to the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region, where the air is fresh, there’s plenty of room for everyone and parking doesn’t cost a fortune.

There’s also lots of free and low-cost stuff to see and do day and night.

• The annual Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism Bicentenary Festival of Walking kicks off at The Gully site, Warriga St (off Gates Ave), Katoomba, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, October 5.

The Festival of Walking will be held from October 5 to 13 throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Soak up Aboriginal art and culture, free bush tucker, entertainment and be among the first to hear about a new and exciting bushwalking experience.

Then, jump on a shuttle bus to Wild Valley Art Park at Wentworth Falls (a cool place itself) at 1pm and walk with the Blue Mountains Blue Wave 1813 costumed team as they re-enact part of the famous Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth trek across the mountains.

The best bit is the cost – it’s all free. Yep, even the tucker and the bus ride.

The Festival of Walking will continue throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region until October 13 and includes an extensive program of affordable activities for all fitness levels from foodie, history and quirky walks (even a beer enthusiasts walk) to multi-day hard core treks through the wilderness.

The event has been organised by BMLOT in collaboration with The Gully Traditional Owners, Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Blue Mountains City Council and other activity providers with funding support from Destination NSW.

Details and bookings: www.festivalofwalking.com.au.

• Blue Mountains Film Festival & Yowie Awards at Scenic World, The Carrington Hotel and Mt Vic Flicks (October 3-7).

The Blue Mountains Film Festival begins tonight at will continue until October 7.

Set against the dramatic Blue Mountains landscape and incorporating iconic venues with that renowned Blue Mountains flare, the annual festival offers a jam-packed program of short films, family screenings, public programs, feature films, awards and celebrations.

The evening events hosted at Scenic World will showcase award-winning films by established and emerging filmmakers from Australia and around the world.

The festival will be a chance to meet celebs like Tim Ferguson who will lead a comedy-writing workshop on Sunday and Corinne Grant who will host the Yowie Awards & Scenic World Grand Prize of $5000 ceremony on Saturday.

Event major sponsor Scenic World will also launch Family Film Nights, set in a relaxed cinema environment where families can have a feed and watch a short film suitable for school age children.

Another fantastic budget carrot is the Scenic World rides deal for festival goers. Upgrade your ticket to adventure down the thrilling new Scenic Railway and explore the Jurassic landscape along the Scenic Walkway. Great value packages are available offering all-day unlimited rides at Scenic World, plus hop-on hop-off bus passes, exploring Leura and Katoomba with Blue Mountains Explorer Bus.

Details and bookings: http://www.scenicworld.com.au/event/2013-blue-mountains-film-festival-yowie-awards/.

• Leura Gardens Festival (9.30am-4.30pm daily, October 5-13).

Waldorf Leura Gardens Resort is one of 10 gardens to feature in Leura Gardens Festival. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Another low-cost drawcard is this blooming popular trail around the most spectacular spring gardens in the upmarket picturesque village of Leura. Details: www.cityrail.info/tickets.

Just $20 gives you entry to 10 gardens ($5 single entry). Buy a ticket at the festival stall at the top of Leura Mall, invest a further $5 in an all-day hop-on/hop-off shuttle bus and still have spending money left over for lunch.

Details: www.leuragardensfestival.com  or leuragardensfestival@fastmail.com.au.

Of course you can’t fit everything in on one day so why not stay the night or three?

Go to www.visitbluemountains.com.au for information about accommodation, dining and activity options in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region.

The Festival of Walking will be officially opened at The Gully site, Warriga St, Katoomba, from 9am to 1pm Saturday, October 5. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Walks and talks at Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, will host a range of activities during the Festival of Walking.

By Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah

The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is once again taking part in this year’s Blue Mountains Festival of Walking from 5 to 13 October.

The Festival of Walking is a Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism initiative and is now in its third year it promotes great walks throughout this stunning region. If you have not been for a bush walk in the Blue Mountains here is your chance.

For those interested in bushwalking there’s an opportunity to explore the conservation area owned by the garden and only accessible with an experienced garden guide. The walk is a day walk to Tomah Spur, on natural bushland land adjacent to the garden and will take you through four different environments – rainforest, eucalypt woodland, spectacular heath and wind-sculpted sandstone. You’ll travel through a carpet of ferns, moss-laden rocks and lush green rainforest with towering trees before emerging onto a rock outcrop with spectacular views. This is great opportunity to explore this beautiful bushland on an extended tour. Reasonable fitness, sturdy shoes, a sun hat and water bottle are recommended as the terrain is rough in places and you will be out most of the day.

The garden is also offering an Aboriginal Heritage Tour on Friday, October 11, as part of the festival. Join Aboriginal horticulturalist Brenden Moore as he takes you on a one and a half hour journey around the Garden exploring Aboriginal uses for plants. Brenden is also a skilled didgeridoo player and will perform for the group at the end of the walk. Bookings for both essential through www.rbgsy.nsw.gov.au or www.festivalofwalking.com

October flowers

The Garden’s extensive collection includes over 48,000 plants with many rare and unusual varieties including the famous local Wollemi pine Wollemia nobilis. Waratahs are not the only stunning spring flowers at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, in spring you can enjoy dramatic displays of colour with camellias, rhododendrons, tulips, daffodils, bluebells, crocus, lily of the valley, snowdrops and snowflakes to take your breath away.

Around the Garden

Explore the Blue Mountains wilderness on a guided tour outside, or inside at the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre. Stroll through temperate rainforest on the Lady Nancy Fairfax Jungle Walk. There are suggested walks of half an hour to all day with something to suit everyone. Treat yourself (or someone else!) to a gift that’s a bit different at the Garden Shop. Here you can find botanic artwork and unique crafts by local artists as well as a large range of horticultural and botanical books. Relax and enjoy the panoramic view across the Garden to the Blue Mountains wilderness from the viewing deck; picnic at one of the many scenic spots in the garden or cook up a feast on one of the free barbecues. The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden also offers the stunning Jungle Lodge for a secluded stay; weddings; workshops for adults and school holiday fun for the kids.

Wednesday 9 and Saturday 12 October

Blue Mountains Festival of Walking – Tomah Spur Wilderness Walk

Join the Wilderness Walk to Tomah Spur led by a specialist guide with detailed knowledge of Blue Mountains plants and wildlife. 10.00 am – 5.00 pm. $80pp. Includes morning tea on arrival. Bookings essential. Phone 9231 8182 or email foundation.friends@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au or book online see www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/tomah

Friday 11 October

Blue Mountains Festival of Walking – Aboriginal Heritage Tour

Join Aboriginal horticulturist Brenden Moore as he takes you on a 1.5 hour botanic journey through the Blue MountainsBotanic Garden exploring Indigenous uses for plants for food, medicine and tools. Includes a didgeridoo performance.

11.00 am – 12.30 pm. $36.50pp, concessions for children/students. Bookings essential: (02) 9231 8182 or email foundation.friends@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au or book online see www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/tomah.

Entry to the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden is free.

Details: (02) 4567 3000, email tomah@rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au, Facebook or www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/tomah.

Bicentenary Festival of Walking 2013

The Bicentenary Festival of Walking will be held throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon regions. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

From the weird and whacky, educational, cultural and hard core fitness, this year’s Bicentenary Festival of Walking promises to include something for everyone.

To be held throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region from October 5 to 13, the action-packed festival will carry a Blue Mountains Crossings Bicentenary 2013-2015 theme for the duration of the three-year bicentenary.

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) chairman Randall Walker said: “The Festival of Walking is a perfect opportunity to showcase the world-class natural environment explored by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth that we enjoy today.

“Many of the walks will focus on the history of the 1813 crossing with some even incorporating parts of the route the Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth party took.

“This year’s program is so extensive that it will be impossible to choose just one walk.

“Staying for two or three days will mean you don’t have to choose and can also experience the many other wonderful attractions, dining and accommodation options available in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region.’’

Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

A major highlight and prologue to this Bicentenary Festival of Walking will be the launch of the Ancestral Pathways Walk traversing 67km of the Blue Mountains from west to east following Aboriginal pathways, Mr Walker said.

While the seven days and six nights walk will be restricted during the day, anyone may join the group around the campfire each evening to share culture.

Affirming the ongoing presence of Aboriginal people in the mountains, the Ancestral Pathways walk will show how they maintain the connection by walking their country, looking after it and using it for cultural purposes.

“Like the Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association, we believe that the best way to know Country is to walk Country,’’ Mr Walker said.

The festival will feature a re-appearance of the Blue Mountains Blue Wave re-enactment group which will re-stage part of the crossing from Wentworth Falls Lakes to Leura Public School at 2pm on October 5. (The full re-enactment travelled from St Marys in western Sydney to Hartley just west of the Blue Mountains from May 11 to 31.)

The festival finale on Sunday, October 13, will be a reconciliation walk at Mt York at Blackheath.

It is also intended that the National Parks & Wildlife Service will launch its new Six Villages Walk from Wentworth Falls to Mt Victoria.

“This will deliver to the region the world-class iconic walk the Blue Mountains has always wanted, an experience to rival anything found elsewhere in the world,’’ Mr Walker said.

Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

BMLOT enjoyed partnering with NPWS and local councils and thanked Destination NSW for its funding support, he said.

The Bicentenary Festival of Walking is a celebration of the beauty of nature, the health and wellbeing benefits of walking, acknowledgement of Aboriginal custodianship and culture, and homage to the history, heritage and conservation of this special region.

Beginning just three years ago, last year the festival attracted more than 2000 recognised participants. This year, it is anticipated that because of the bicentenary and growing awareness of the festival there will be more than 5000 recognised participants.

Go to www.festivalofwalking.com for more information about the Festival of Walking and to book accommodation.

 

Aboriginal boys program announced in Blue Mountains

 

Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose visited The Gully Aboriginal site to announce an Aboriginal dance program for boys. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

A new Aboriginal dance program for boys at The Gully was announced by Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose at the Katoomba site on Saturday, August 3.

The former magazine editor and businesswoman met with Gundungurra elders and program leaders at the site during a visit to the Blue Mountains, during which she was guest of honour at a Katoomba Theatre Company fundraising dinner and visited Scenic World, Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and The Paragon.

Ita Buttrose with Gundungurra elder Aunty Sharyn Halls. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

She said she “applauded’’ the partnership between the Gundungurra community of The Gully, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) and Katoomba Theatre Company (KTC) in bringing traditional Aboriginal dance classes for indigenous and non-indigenous youth to Katoomba.

“It is hoped that from this, local Aboriginal boys will be proud to preserve and share their culture and, for those that show passion and talent, study and new employment opportunities will arise.’’

“Partners such as Katoomba Theatre Company will help this dance program foster confidence and prosperity for indigenous youth in the Blue Mountains.’’

Ms Buttrose said the program would be a good example for Aboriginal communities in other areas and encouraged them to follow suit.

“We all benefit’’ from young people being educated about indigenous culture.

Gundungurra Aboriginal Heritage Association elder Aunty Sharyn Halls, who hosted the meeting and welcomed Ms Buttrose with Aunty Merle Williams, said the program had been several years in the planning.

“It’s about Aboriginal boys having somewhere to hang out and feel they can have someone to talk to. It’s a great idea.’’

Aunty Sharyn outlined the history of The Gully to Ms Buttrose, after which Gundungurra traditional dance program for boys visionary Den Barber and Aboriginal toolmaker Lex Dadd explained the program.

Lex Dadd and Den Barber outline the boys program. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

They presented Aunty Sharyn with an artwork and Ms Buttrose with a pair of clapsticks.

The program, which will run on Friday afternoons, will involve a smoking ceremony, tool and jewellery-making and dancing as well as afternoon tea and contact with elders.

The experience would hopefully also foster maturity, respect and confidence in the young people, Mr Barber said.

The boys program will be supported by Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism which will cover the cost of insurances needed at the site.

BMLOT chairman Randall Walker said BMLOT was “delighted to provide assistance to this important initiative as an extension of our indigenous tourism development program’’.

“What Den and Lex have planned for The Gully will lead to real employment opportunities for talented local Aboriginal dancers.’’

BMLOT will give practical help in the form of insurance, travel costs and promotion “but more importantly we will provide performance opportunities along with Katoomba Theatre Company’’.

“There are also career opportunities through the Indigenous Guiding Course at TAFE Wentworth Falls and Farid Nayer the owner of Waradah Aboriginal Centre at Echo Point has generously offered performance and paid work opportunities for talented dancers.’’

Katoomba Theatre Company co-founder Dr Larry Buttrose said KTC was “delighted’’ to also support the program.

The Gully is a joint project between The Gully traditional owners and Blue Mountains City Council and funded by NSW Sustainability as part of the Reconnecting to Country project, The Gully Aboriginal Interpretive Walk in Katoomba was officially opened by NSW Governor Marie Bashir AC CVO on February 23.

(l-r) BMLOT chairman Randall Walker, Aunty Merle Williams, Aunty Sharyn Halls, Ita Buttrose, Den Barber, Lex Dadd and Katoomba Theatre Company founders Belle and Dr Larry Buttrose. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism