Tetoora Road community swings into new outdoor area
The Tetoora Road community swung into action last weekend for the official opening of new play and gym equipment and the unveiling of a garden plaque to recognise the First Nations people.
The annual Tetoora Road community day brought together local residents for a number of celebrations, including the official opening of swings, playground equipment and an outdoor gym that were funded through Baw Baw Shire’s placemaking program.
Tetoora Road Community Centre committee member Corinne Armour dedicated a stone in the centre’s garden to the area’s First Nations people.
Donated by the Armour family, Corinne said the stone and plaque acknowledged the “strength, resilience and capability of our First Nations people and their ongoing connections to our land, seas and skies.”
Corinne said Tetoora Road was on a main road through the Strzeleckis, named after Strzelecki who was known for completing a geographic circle of Australia.
“He was 65,000 years too late in discovering Gippsland. There were already many Aboriginal nations across Australia...there were over 750 languages spoken as well as local laws and beliefs.
“Today we are making a small gesture, a small step in reconciliation and inclusion to remind us the First Nation’s people have always been the first custodians of our land,” Corinne said.
The plaque reads: “This beautiful place we now share has always been Aboriginal land.
We acknowledge the custodianship of our first peoples and show respect in our own care of the country.”
Tetoora Road Community Centre asset committee chair Ann Bullen said the committee was pleased to be chosen for this 2021-22 placemaking program.
She said many local children assisted the committee in choosing the best play equipment for the project.
Mayor Michael Leaney said it was fantastic to see the projected completed.
He said each year, council provided funding to small communities throughout the shire.
Cr Leaney said when he was elected to council he recognised a lot of small communities didn’t receive much from council and he was one of the councillors that pushed for establishing the placemaking program.
The program allocated $180,000 to the delivery of community led projects in Nilma North, Tanjil Bren and Tetoora Road.
The Tetoora Road project included play and gym equipment and a sealed footpath.
Cr Leaney said to ensure the project suited the needs of the Tetoora Road community, council undertook a series of meetings with the TRCC committee.
Following the consultation council installed a new playground with slide and climbing functions, a spider web, swing set, new gym equipment and a sealed footpath.
“Community-led initiatives like the placemaking program are a great way for Council to engage with our smaller communities and learn first-hand about the projects that mean the most to them,” he said.
Cr Leaney joined Ann Bullen to be the first to use the new swings. “The new swing set is an absolute treat, take it from me I have first-hand experience,” Cr Leaney said.
Mt Worth and District Landcare member Rob East assisted to plant a tree to mark the day’s celebrations.
He said the group was happy to help in beautfying the site with trees and shrubs.
“This is an opportunity to look back at the people who have contributed to this centre and the people who are here now maintaining the work, the effort and enthusiasm,” he said.