Hello everyone, I’m Christina – I currently work as an Admin Officer at the Medicare Mental Health Centres but will soon be joining the Marketing team as the new Marketing and Events Officer.
I was born and raised in the western suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne), where much of my family still lives today. The area is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of this Country.
The name Wurundjeri comes from the Woi-wurrung language and is believed to relate to the wurun tree, a species of eucalyptus commonly known as the manna gum or white gum, which grows along the Birrarung (Yarra River). The connection between language, landscape and identity reflects the deep relationship the Wurundjeri people have maintained with Country for countless generations.
One aspect of Wurundjeri culture I found particularly fascinating is the traditional seasonal calendar. Rather than dividing the year into four seasons, the Woi-wurrung people recognised seven distinct seasons, each connected to changes in plants, animals, weather and the land itself.
These seasons include:
• Biderap — the dry season from January to February
• Luk — eel season during March
• Waring — wombat season from April to July
• Guling — orchid season in August
• Poorneet — tadpole season across September and October
• Buarth Gurru — grass flowering season in November
• Garrawang — kangaroo apple season in December
Learning about these seasons offers a different way of understanding the environment, one grounded in careful observation, connection to nature, and generations of cultural knowledge.
Reflecting on the place where I grew up during National Reconciliation Week reminds me that every landscape carries stories, knowledge and traditions that long predate modern Australia. Taking the time to learn about the histories and cultures connected to Country is an important step in building greater understanding and respect.
As part of the Footprint celebration of National Reconciliation Week, we challenged all our staff to research the Traditional Custodians of the land which was special to them. It could be where they were born, or for those who have made Australia their home, it could be where they live or work, or just love to visit.
