Hunter Region Landcare Network are thrilled to be involved in helping regenerate bushland at Yallarwah Place, John Hunter Hospital, Awabakal Country, as part of Yallarwah’s 25th anniversary celebrations. This unique area of Hunter Coast Lowland Apple Bloodwood forest encompasses the Bicentenary Memorial Walk and the Circle of Reflection.
Yallarwah is an Awabakal word meaning “resting place”. This bushland provides connection to Country for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families and community members staying at Uncle Bobs’ Place (named for the Aboriginal Elder, the late Robert Smith). It also provides a peaceful place with mental health benefits for staff and visitors to the John Hunter Hospital.
Hunter New England Local Health District incorporated the next phase of site restoration into their NAIDOC Week activities with ceremony, dance, song, a BBQ and a working bee on 31st July. Hunter Region Landcare were invited to guide the restoration works and share their bush regeneration expertise with a team of District staff and Newcastle Permanent volunteers.
This was a fantastic, positive day with healthcare staff coming down during their work-breaks to plant native trees and seedlings to benefit the local ecosystem. Tools and trees were sourced thanks to a grant from the Newcastle State Member’s Local Small Commitments Allocation Program. It was wonderful that HRLN committee member Wendy Heys attended the working bee, as she had been present at the opening ceremony and was able to share her memories of the occasion with volunteers who were new to the site.
The Yallarwah Place hub was established by Novocastrian Tales author, Paul F. Walsh OAM and Deputy Head of the Wollotuka Institute at the University of Newcastle, Dr Raymond Kelly whose ongoing advocacy for reconciliation continues to have a lasting impact in the Hunter community.
Organisers noted the restoration of Yallarwah Place and the Bicentenary Memorial Walk has created a significant opportunity to introduce the location to new and returning visitors and assist in developing key partnerships with community members for its ongoing care.
For more information about Yallarwah Place see: Yallarwah Place An Act of Reconciliation – Hunter Living Histories