Balak Kalik Manya Walking Together Phase 2
Project Overview
Balak Kalik Manya – Walking Together Phase 2 is a transformative project led by DJANDAK, with $1.5 million in funding from Agnico Eagle. This project combines traditional Djaara knowledge with modern science to restore natural spaces and create opportunities for people to connect meaningfully with Country. By integrating cultural heritage and environmental stewardship, the project ensures healthy landscapes that foster relationships between people, culture, and nature.
The project aims to build a collaborative approach to public land management between Dja Dja Wurrung, land managers and the community to improve public land within the Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement Area
Balak Kalik Manya (Walking Together) works to heal and enhance public land across Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country), creating accessible spaces for people to connect with Country.
The sites are chosen through a detailed assessment process, prioritising locations near residential areas for accessibility and those with existing cultural, environmental, or social values that can be strengthened through the program.
True to its name, Balak Kalik Manya embodies a “walking together” approach, with DJANDAK leading collaborative land management alongside stakeholders such as Parks Victoria, DEECA, councils, and local communities. The program integrates Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Knowledge with modern science, ensuring a balanced and meaningful approach to caring for Country.
Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung) Members play a key role in shaping the program, bringing expertise in Culture, Country, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Their insights guide site history, values, future use, and management. Many Djaara Members also contribute to the program’s delivery through their roles at DJANDAK
Each site follows a structured process:
- Site assessment
- Stakeholder engagement
- Planning and design
- Approvals
- Construction
Balak Kalik Manya supports the aspirations of Dhelkunya Dja (Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan), particularly in the areas of Culture, Partnerships, Looking after Country, Traditional Knowledge, and Economy.
The program has been delivered in two phases to date. Further details on each stage can be found below.
Balak Kalik Manya (Walking Together) is a program that supports the healing and improvement of public land across Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country), encouraging people to connect with these places through walking, gathering and caring for Country together.
Sites are carefully selected based on their Cultural, environmental and social values, with a focus on areas close to where people live to support easy and regular access.
As its name suggests, Balak Kalik Manya is grounded in walking together—bringing Djaara, land managers (such as Parks Victoria, DEECA and local councils), and community together in genuine partnership. It combines Djaara Traditional Knowledge with modern science to guide planning, design and on-ground works.
Djaara play a central role—sharing knowledge of Culture and Country, and helping guide the future care and use of each site. Djaara are also involved in the day-to-day delivery of the program.
Each site follows a consistent process:
Site assessment
Stakeholder engagement
Planning and design
Approvals
Construction
Balak Kalik Manya supports key goals in Dhelkunya Dja – the Dja Dja Wurrung Country Plan, including Caring for Country, Strengthening Culture, Sharing Knowledge, and Building Partnerships.
Two phases have been delivered, with more in development.
To learn more, get involved, or express interest in partnering, please contact the Balak Kalik Manya team.
Phase 2 of Balak Kalik Manya is supported through $1.5m in funding from Agnico Eagle’s Community Partnership program.
DJANDAK also partners with many other stakeholders in delivering the program, including local councils (i.e. Hepburn Shire, City of Greater Bendigo), land managers, community groups and local residents. By “walking together’’ we can do more to improve the health of Country and people.
