An Indigenous cultural heritage education session led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Anie Skinner has given Oberon High School year 10 students a deeper understanding of the importance of dune ecosystems in Ocean Grove.
The ‘Dunecare Secondary Schools Program’ incorporates on ground conservation activities with Indigenous cultural heritage education. Students learn from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners about the significance of the dunes and surrounding ecosystems to the Wadawurrung People.
Students also learn about the importance of habitat conservation and biodiversity protection
practices. The program aims to develop student and community stewardship for local dune conservation and protection.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Dunecare Secondary Schools Program is a partnership between local secondary schools to promote coastal environmental education, with a central focus on dune ecosystems.
Year 10 Oberon teacher Kate Anderson said her class actively looks forward to the Dunecare Schools Program sessions and are excited to contribute to the rehabilitation of the dunes.
“The best part of the program is that it encourages the students to consider their direct impact on the coast,” she said.
“Our students get to take part in lively discussions and learn from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners about the importance of conservation”.
The Dunecare Secondary Schools Program is delivered by Bellarine Catchment Network, Ecologic, Marine and Fresh Water Discovery Centre, the Victorian Fisheries Authority, with support from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
The initiative is supported by the Australian government’s dunecare on-ground works program that protects fragile coastal dune systems between St Leonards and Marengo.
