Balak Kalik Manya (Walking Together)
Project Overview
Balak Kalik Manya is a DJANDAK-led initiative that blends traditional Dja Dja Wurrung knowledge with modern science to create accessible, engaging, and healthy natural spaces where people can connect with Country.
For tens of thousands of years, Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung people) have maintained a deep connection with Djandak (Dja Dja Wurrung Country), shaping their culture and wellbeing. This enduring relationship continues today, as Djaara care for Djandak and sustain its natural resources.
Western science is now affirming what First Nations people have always known—the connection between people and nature is vital. Studies show that when nature is a meaningful part of people’s lives, they are healthier, happier, and more likely to protect the environment.
This growing awareness is reflected in initiatives such as the Healthy Greater Bendigo 2021–2025 plan and the Victorian Government’s Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 policy, which both emphasize the importance of strengthening human-nature relationships.
Djaara and other First Nations Cultures have led the way. Now, with science reinforcing this knowledge, we have the opportunity to deepen our connection with Country—enhancing both our wellbeing and the health of the earth.
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.
The Central Springs Reserve, located to the south of Lake Daylesford, is a significant site known for its mineral springs and connections to bush trails, including the Goldfields Track. Hepburn Shire Council recently completed major works based on the 2021 Masterplan, enhancing the reserve’s natural beauty and accessibility.
Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung) were involved in these works, contributing cultural elements, and identified the opportunity to create a dedicated Djaara space through the Balak Kalik Manya program. This collaborative effort allows the Djaara people and Council to “walk together” in implementing both projects.
The Balak Kalik Manya space, situated at the western end of the reserve, provides a peaceful environment for visitors to reflect, listen to Country, and connect with one another. It features a Djaara yarning circle, multi-sensory nature experiences, and thoughtfully designed landscaping. Yarning, a key aspect of Djaara culture, involves sharing stories, knowledge, and experiences, ensuring that culture remains alive for future generations.
In addition, Balak Kalik Manya contributed to the Council’s works by commissioning Djaara artist Tamani Nichols-Moore to design the artwork for the base of the new mineral springs pump area.
Works on the Central Springs site began in early 2025, with completion expected by May.
Wanyarra Dum (the Frog Ponds) on Yaram Yaram Manya (Bendigo Creek) in White Hills is a special place with strong connections to many Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People) and other community members.
In 2020, significant environmental works were completed by DJANDAK in collaboration with the North Central CMA and other stakeholders through the Wanyarra Dhelk (Good Waterhole) Reimagining Bendigo Creek Project. These works rehabilitated the site and restored a chain of connected freshwater frog ponds, enhancing its natural values.
Beyond environmental restoration, these efforts also created a beloved Cultural and social space in the heart of Bendigo, now enjoyed by many in the community.
Building on the foundations of the Wanyarra Dhelk project, Balak Kalik Manya is implementing further works to enhance the use and enjoyment of the site. This includes linking existing trails, adding seating, and installing interpretive signage, all designed to encourage deeper engagement and connection with the space.
Concept designs are in progress, with detailed plans expected by mid-2025 and construction scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
The Prouses Road Recreation Reserve is located next to Ironbark Gully in North Bendigo.
The site is valued by many, including Kalianna School (which backs onto the reserve), Ironbark Gully Friends, local residents and user groups.
Over time, there have been several efforts to improve the space, including design work and community consultation. One key opportunity for Balak Kalik Manya was the City of Greater Bendigo’s plan to replace the old playground and upgrade the shared trail. This aligned with our goal to “walk together” and build on what had already been started.
The playground was replaced by Council in 2024, and the trail upgrade is coming soon.
DJANDAK has created a concept design showing ideas for future works at the site. These include a new shelter, yarning circle, seating, art and interpretation, and major revegetation.
In November 2024, we held a Yarning and Information Session to share the concept and hear feedback. An online survey was also made available for public comment.
All feedback has been summarised in a report [link to report], and is now helping shape the final detailed designs. These are being developed during mid-2025, with construction planned for later in the year.
To help bring the site to life, Ironbark Gully Friends are organising a community planting day on National Tree Day – Sunday 28 July 2025. DJANDAK is supporting the event, and everyone is welcome to join in! https://www.facebook.com/IronbarkGullyFriends/
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.
