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, 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 selected sites were chosen for their ecological and cultural significance, as well as their proximity to urban centers, where pressures from development increasingly encroach on natural areas.
Each site offers unique opportunities for collaboration with land managers, government agencies, and local communities. Plans for site improvements will integrate traditional Djaara values with modern considerations, including biodiversity enhancement, infrastructure upgrades, and community aspirations. For example, Wanyarra Dum Frog Ponds is being envisioned as a space where visitors can engage with cultural stories and enjoy enhanced natural surroundings.
Preliminary assessments and stakeholder workshops have guided the development of draft management plans for Wanyarra Dum and Prouses Road, Central Springs. This phased approach allows for tailored interventions that respect the cultural importance of each location while meeting the diverse needs of local users.
- Wanyarra Dum Frog Ponds (Bendigo Creek): A vital wetland space supporting biodiversity and community engagement.
- Central Springs (Daylesford): A location rich in cultural and natural heritage, enhancing visitor experiences. This site is currently under construction.
- Prouses Road Reserve (North Bendigo): A community hub offering opportunities to connect with nature and culture.
This project is made possible through a partnership between DJANDAK and Agnico Eagle (formerly Kirkland Lake Gold). Additional collaboration with government agencies, local councils, and community stakeholders ensures a comprehensive and inclusive approach to land management
