Walkin' Country, Walkin' Birrarung

RMIT student Jack Glasson recently went on The Aboriginal Yarra River walk, Walkin’ Country, Walkin’ Birrarung. Here's what he had to say.

The three-hour cultural heritage walk commences at Enterprize Park and leads through the heartland of what we now call Melbourne.

Tour leader Dean Stewart shares his deep knowledge of Victoria’s Indigenous history, educating the group with stories of the people and land.

Bachelor of Communications student Jack Glasson took the tour, immersing himself in the city while also taking the chance to speak to Dean and other students.

Jack reflected on his experience at the tour.

Walkin' Country, Walkin' Birrarung with Jack Glasson

This week I participated in the Walk'in Country, Walkin' Birraung Tour in which Dean provided the best experience by sharing his knowledge and stories.

Dean dives into the rich history of the indigenous people of Melbourne and educates us with stories of the people and land.

This tour assists in gaining an eye-opening perspective of the city we live and work in through a different lens.

Dean keeps you on your toes and ensures you are taking in all the information whilst adjusting your everyday thinking. 

"Don't be a tourist in your own city," he said.

After the walk, we reflected as a group.

This was a good time to ask questions, share feelings and understand the groups perspective.

I spoke to Computer Science Student, Arian Prawbowo after the walk, who said while he's not from Melbourne, he is interested in the places he travels to.

“The whole point of travelling to a new place is to know the history," he said.

“This is very valuable for me to visit a new place and to learn from every aspect from nature, people, the past that connects to today."

If you’d like to broaden your knowledge of Victoria’s Indigenous history, I'd highly recommend this tour.

Walkin’ Country, Walkin’ Birrarung offers an immersive cultural experience.

Tickets are free for RMIT students and limited sessions are still available in April and May.

Written by Jack Glasson

Yarra River Walk from Francesca on Vimeo.

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24 March 2022

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Walkin' Country, Walkin' Birrarung