Hobsons Bay council is celebrating Indigenous culture with a cultural and biodiversity festival called Boollam Boollam Willum.
Boollam Boollam Willum means ‘where butterflies live’ in traditional language and celebrates the unique connection between Indigenous heritage and biodiversity.
Council said the festival will give people an insight into the culture of First Nations people and how they have cared for the land.
The first event was held on Friday, April 12.
For those who missed out, there will be a second event on Saturday, April 27, from 9.30am to 1pm at Truganina Park in Altona.
Among the highlights of the festival are a smoking ceremony and didgeridoo performance as well as nature walks with Bunurong Elder Uncle Shane and council ranger Andrew Webster.
A basket weaving workshop, an Aboriginal art and culture workshop, native plant propagation workshop and giveaway, waterbugs with Matt McArthur and fairy freckles face painting are among other highlights.
Also available will be Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre and Blue Carbon Lab citizen science opportunities, a free barbecue, native animal face painting and The Connies.
Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said he attended the first event which was a great day.
“I think it’s so important that we learn about how First Nations people have cared for this environment for thousands of years so we can all help preserve these practices,” he said.
“This event is also a great opportunity to celebrate the history and culture of First Nations people of this area.”
