A group of councils in Perth’s Western Suburbs are recognising the area’s traditional Nyoongar owners and have recently extended a network of important walking trails.
The Western Suburbs Regional Organisation Councils (WESROC) comprises the Towns of Claremont, Cottesloe and Mosman Park, Shire of Peppermint Grove and Cities of Nedlands and Subiaco with the Town of Cambridge.
The organisation helped facilitate the extension of the Whadjuk Network of walking trails, an important site of urban bushland and Nyoongar heritage.
Two linking trails, the Karda Bidi and Karak Bidi trails were launched recently, providing an additional 21.9km to the network.
City of Nedlands Mayor Max Hipkins said the launch of the additional trails was a proud moment for WESROC and the community.
“This launch represents more than expanding the Whadjuk network; it recognises Perth’s Nyoongar heritage and urban bushland.
“This is also represented in the partnership and work that WESROC has carried out with Nyoongar Elder Neville Collard in capturing the history of the area and Nyoongar lore for walkers to enjoy on their smartphones as they walk the track.
“Community members, both in the western suburbs and across metropolitan Perth, will be able to enjoy the tracks well into the future.”
Lotterywest, the Department of Sport and Recreation and Perth Natural Resource Managerment helped to fund and facilitate the successful development of the trails.
Interpretive signs in bushland areas have QR codes that allow people to hear Aboriginal stories and songs on their smartphones and learn additional information about the fauna and flora in the area.
