The Friends of Mossvale Park recognise Kurnai cultural authority and cultural intellectual property
Bratowoloong Knowledge, Technology and Caring for Country
For the Bratowoloong people of the Kurnai, Country provided food, medicine and the natural materials needed for everyday life. Our people understood how to use these resources carefully and respectfully so that Country could continue to provide for future generations.
Plants and smaller foods were gathered according to the seasons and what was available. Men hunted animals such as kangaroo and wombat to provide food for family and clan. Only what was needed was taken, and food was shared. This helped ensure that plants could grow again, animals could continue to breed and there would be food for the generations to come.
Bratowoloong people also developed technologies from the materials provided by Country. Bark and timber were used for canoes and other implements, while plants and fibres were used to make baskets, string, mats and fishing equipment. Coolamons and other containers were made to carry food and water, and digging sticks, shields and other tools supported gathering, hunting and everyday life.
These technologies were part of caring for the Country. They allowed our people to gather, hunt, fish, travel and carry what was needed while using the natural resources of Country with knowledge and respect. Nothing was wasted, and knowledge about when to gather, what to take and what to leave was passed from one generation to the next.
For Bratowoloong people, caring for Country meant making sure that Country could continue to care for our people.
Let’s explore the plants and animals on the banks of the Tarwin River in the park
The riverbanks of the Tarwin River that surrounds Mossvale Park have been substantially restored using plants that would have naturally grown in the riverine environment. When work was done to restore the riverbanks in 2009 to 2011, weedy suckers of poplar and elm and tree weeds including cherry plum were removed. Rampant blackberry and other noxious weeds were controlled. Trees, including many London plane trees, golden poplars and a few original eucalypts were left in place. Many of the endemic plants that were planted and recovered after the work were used by the traditional owners—the Bratowoloong people of the Kurnai nation. For tens of thousands of years Aboriginal people have taken care of country. This trail showcases indigenous flora that was used by the Kurnai for food, utility and medicine.
Use our Google map to follow the trail
The Google map is available for your phone, and you can easily follow the trail. Each numbered tree and point of interest is clickable with a photo and information attached. Otherwise use the brochure (either download and print the PDF file or use the flip book) and follow the trail using the photos to identify the trees. We have also provided QR codes to scan with your phone if you would like further information on any of the trees. The brochure also includes photos and names of birds and animals that call the park home. See how many you can spot on your walk.
FOMP acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and pays respect to their past and present Elders. We honour and celebrate the spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to country and the biodiversity that forms part of that country.
Contact the Friends of Mossvale Park using this form.
For all general Park inquiries and bookings please contact the Shire of South Gippsland on https://www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/ContactUs