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Theme 9 - Our Shared Australian Heritage

In this final group of twelve articles, the nature of modern Australian identity and our shared Aboriginal heritage is discussed.


The need for truth-telling in our history is raised, but it is put that this needs to be done without imputation of guilt for the current generation, and with the understanding that there are also positive stories to tell.


The way in which our modern Australian identity has been influenced by Aboriginal culture is discussed and pointed to as an aspect that can continue to be strengthened.  For instance, it is pointed out that Aboriginal culture and traditions, such as the dispute resolution protocol of Jindi Worobak, could be utilized to make Australia Day a day of unity rather than being a point of division.


There are also many historical Aboriginal sites in our local municipalities that could be identified and properly interpreted, so that our shared Aboriginal heritage is better appreciated. A number of examples of such sites in the Middle Yarra region are given.

THEME 9  - QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

  1. What are the essential aspects of Australian culture and character that bind us together as a people?

  2. How has Aboriginal culture, character, and sense of humour affected our national identity?  

  3. Has this course of readings helped you gain greater insight into and understanding of our Aboriginal history and heritage?

AH 9.1

Truth telling will help our healing

Colonisation of Australia involved many injustices to Aboriginal people and we all must face these truths in order to go forward together.

AH 9.2

Truth telling includes some good stuff

As well as many injustices, there were also many settlers who formed firm friendships with Aboriginal people and fought fiercely for their rights.

AH 9.3

The shaping of the Australian character

Just as this timeless and harsh land shaped Aboriginal people, so the Land and the Dreaming continues to shape the character of all Australians.

AH 9.4

Let’s Celebrate Jindi Worobak

Aboriginal culture holds that there is a ritual answer to every problem, and that Jindi Worobak is the mechanism of coming together after a dispute.

AH 9.5

The Aboriginal influence on Australian English

Australian English is littered with innumerable Aboriginal words and not just the names of animals and places. Australian humour also has Aboriginal roots

AH 9.6

In search of Marngrook

Although the Australian Football League continues to deny links with Marngrook, the traditional Aboriginal game, etching from early explorers suggest otherwise.

AH 9.7

Significant Aboriginal sites in Manningham

The middle-Yarra municipality of Manningham has many significant Aboriginal heritage sites but a lack of interpretive signage means that they remain invisible.

AH 9.8

Placenames and meanings in Manningham

Many streets, parks and places in Manningham have Aboriginal names, some of which are imported names, and others are local names.

AH 9.9

Manningham’s invisible Aboriginal heritage

When visiting various locations in Manningham, especially along the river, most people are unaware of how Aboriginal people shaped and utilised the area.

AH 9.10

Visiting historic Bolin-Bolin billabong

A traditional living and gathering area, Bolin-Bolin billabong in Bulleen contains some interpretive signage that helps inform your visit.

AH 9.11

Visiting historic Tikalara Park

Situated at the junction of the Yarra with Mullum-Mullum Creek, Tikalara Park is an historic site that unfortunately has no interpretive signage.

AH 9.12

Visiting historic Pound Bend

Pound Bend Reserve is on a horseshoe bend in the Yarra in Warrandyte. It is where the last Kulin corroboree was held in 1852 and interpretive signage helps inform your visit.

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