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With NAIDOC Week marking a celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Parks Victoria is acknowledging the work of Gunditjmara man Greg Shelton.

The south west of Victoria is a significant place to experience a rich Aboriginal cultural history through the World Heritage listed Budj Bim region, home to the Gundtjmara people for many thousands of years.

Shelton, a traditional owner, says he enjoys helping visitors deepen their appreciation of the area by sharing cultural stories and information about country.

One of his favourite walks in the Budj Bim (Mt Eccles) National Park is the Budj Bim crater and the beautiful Lake Surprise, where he may share with visitors the Creation stories special to the site.

Shelton highlights that tours are available through the Indigenous Protected Areas, which have remnants of permanent stone dwellings built by the Gunditjmara people and one of the world’s oldest inland aquaculture systems.

He explains “here in the south west we have Indigenous Protected Area tours, where you can see and hear about the oldest aquaculture systems in the world and see the remains of permanent stone dwellings, 6,600 years old.”

Previously, Shelton was Senior Ranger for Windamara Aboriginal Corporation, which mentors young Aboriginal rangers and assists with employment skills.

Acknowledging the significance of Shelton’s work, Parks Victoria Ranger Team Leader Peter Hill adds “Greg adds so much to visitors’ experience in the parks of the South West, and particularly Budj Bim National Park.

“Not only does he work hard to maintain tracks and keep facilities clean, he has incredible skills and knowledge which he is happy to share, making every visit special.

NAIDOC Week is being held from 2nd to 9th July.

For more information on the Budj Bim region go to www.parks.vic.gov.au 

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