Yarra Flats Billabongs
About the site
The recent history—the land beside the Yarra River from Lilydale to Healesville includes many billabongs – areas of water that are reminders of where the river once flowed. Many of these billabongs have disappeared, either drained to increase pasture or filled by natural sediment.
In 1998 a new road bridge was built across the Yarra River at Yarra Glen. It was constructed further downstream from the existing bridge, so an area of land, some 14 acres in size was left isolated. A group of local residents saw the possibility of making this area into a reserve as it contained billabongs together with some native plants and grasses that had survived farming.
In 2000 the Friends of Yarra Flats Billabongs was established - their aim was to rehabilitate the billabongs area for the enjoyment and education of the local and wider community by re-establishing the flora and fauna that was known to have existed there in the past as well as providing information that expanded the visitors understanding of the area. The site was establishing well until the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.
The area was completely destroyed on that day, but has since substantially recovered with extensive help from volunteers and community and corporate authorities. At present it is in a growing phase as plants and animals re-establish themselves. The Shire of Yarra Ranges provides management and maintenance support for the reserve.
The Friends of Yarra Flats Billabongs are always eager to welcome new members to their team.
Kevin Heeley
In 1998 a new road bridge was built across the Yarra River at Yarra Glen. It was constructed further downstream from the existing bridge, so an area of land, some 14 acres in size was left isolated. A group of local residents saw the possibility of making this area into a reserve as it contained billabongs together with some native plants and grasses that had survived farming.
In 2000 the Friends of Yarra Flats Billabongs was established - their aim was to rehabilitate the billabongs area for the enjoyment and education of the local and wider community by re-establishing the flora and fauna that was known to have existed there in the past as well as providing information that expanded the visitors understanding of the area. The site was establishing well until the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009.
The area was completely destroyed on that day, but has since substantially recovered with extensive help from volunteers and community and corporate authorities. At present it is in a growing phase as plants and animals re-establish themselves. The Shire of Yarra Ranges provides management and maintenance support for the reserve.
The Friends of Yarra Flats Billabongs are always eager to welcome new members to their team.
Kevin Heeley
Scenes on the Yarra in Yarra Glen
Sites have history, personalities, moods and soul. It is the site specific artist’s job to instinctively bring the hidden or real stories to life in the site/space.
Over 5 days artist’s came together to explore and research the history and environment of the Yarra River. The artists donated all their time with commitment and enthusiasm. It is due to their generosity that this event was able to be realised.
The work was specifically focused in Yarra Glen, at the Yarra Flats Billabongs. All the information and experiences gathered by the artists from local specialists was then shared on a walking journey through the wetlands.
What was created was an interdisciplinary walking- performance that took the audience, on a journey through Murrup Brarn Yarra Flats Billabongs. Murrup Brarn is Wurundjeri for Spirit Water.
This performance was dedicated to the Friends of the Yarra Flats Billabongs and their spirit and commitment to this site,
Over 5 days artist’s came together to explore and research the history and environment of the Yarra River. The artists donated all their time with commitment and enthusiasm. It is due to their generosity that this event was able to be realised.
The work was specifically focused in Yarra Glen, at the Yarra Flats Billabongs. All the information and experiences gathered by the artists from local specialists was then shared on a walking journey through the wetlands.
What was created was an interdisciplinary walking- performance that took the audience, on a journey through Murrup Brarn Yarra Flats Billabongs. Murrup Brarn is Wurundjeri for Spirit Water.
This performance was dedicated to the Friends of the Yarra Flats Billabongs and their spirit and commitment to this site,
