Nangak Tamboree: Embracing Biodiversity and Indigenous Cultural Learning in a University City recognises the extensive ecological and cultural restoration that has been carried out in the Nangak Tamboree – our 2 km waterway and open space network that runs through our Bundoora Campus.
The Nangak Tamboree project is one of collaboration and learning that benefits the whole community. There have been many achievements that have been made since restoration of the area began back in 1967, when there was very little vegetation on the site. The change that has occurred in this area since then is thanks to many initiatives and collaborations, including:
- Partnerships: La Trobe has collaborated with Melbourne Water, the Darebin Creek Management Committee, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC), to regenerate the land through weed management, habitat and revegetation projects, and traditional practices led by the Wurundjeri to help restore the native bushland.
- Community Engagement: In 2023, this project engaged over 9,419 people through education, citizen science activities, and events. Additionally, 4,645 volunteer hours were dedicated to plant production, land management, and seed collection. We have also ensured the area is well connected to the wider community via a shared pathway linking to local shops, Darebin Creek Trail and nearby bushland reserves.
- Education and Research: The Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an outdoor lab, offering educational experiences across all levels, from primary school to tertiary education. In 2023, the Sanctuary hosted 62 school visits, provided 24 work experience placements, and facilitated 574 internship hours for students, integrating learning with practical conservation efforts.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: The Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary’s indigenous plant nursery supplies over 300 species of trees, shrubs, groundcovers, climbers, grasses, herbs and wetland plants to local councils and other land managers, schools, landscape professionals, other retail nurseries and backyard gardeners.
Watch the video that accompanied our award submission.
This would not have been possible without the work of La Trobe staff, La Trobe Botany Society members, the Narrap team, Darebin Creek Management Committee, Melbourne Water and our many academic partners, students, volunteers and others. This award recognises the collaboration, care and passion our community commits to this amazing place.
A special thank you goes to Business and Engagement Coordinator, Ally Borgelt, for her dedication and significant contributions to our education and community programs. Additionally, Land Management Coordinator, Kris Purvis, did outstanding work in seamlessly integrating the wider Nangak Tamboree into Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary’s land management program. This success would not have been possible without both of their efforts.
