Aboriginal Womens' Heritage Trail Opens

Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Womens' Trail (pron: Bid-ee Kat-e-jin-ee) is a 15 minute walking trail through a site which was used for thousands of years by Noongar women for cultural and food purposes. In the location, ceremonies were performed, food was gathered, womens' business was discussed and young boys and girls were educated on culture and how to find food.

Bidi is a Noongar word meaning ‘track’ and katitjiny is a Noongar word meaning ‘place of learning.'

Mayor Russell Aubrey said it was a privilege to have the fascinating and culturally significant trail located in the City of Melville.

“This walk is not just a stroll through beautiful bushland, it offers visitors a true cultural experience, including culturally-appropriate artworks,” he said.

“Noongar woman Gail Beck should be acknowledged and thanked for ensuring this heritage trail was established in her ancestor’s country.”

Ms Beck said the first step was getting the area officially recognised.

“I hope the trail will prove to be a two-way learning experience and educate people about the site,” she said.

“Noongar women once used the site for teaching the young boys and girls all the facets of gathering, where they belonged in their community and all the relevant laws.”

The Mayor said, “Visitors will be guided through the cycle of the six Noongar seasons, learning about food sources, seasonal colours and native flora and fauna, with a chance to see natural phenomena as it occurs.”

“This is a unique walk which offers a perspective on how seasonal changes encouraged  conservation, protection and sustainability thousands of years ago.

“Visitors can enjoy the Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Womens' Trail with the help of a female Aboriginal guide, discussing how plants were used for food and medicine.”

The City of Melville has invested approximately $75,000 in creating the trail. These funds have gone towards the survey, pathway, design, artworks and signage.

The Noongar Six Seasons are:

Bunuru      (the hot and dry)          January to February

Djeran       (first rains – first dew) March to April

Makuru      (the wet)                      May to June

Djilba         (the cold and wet)       July to August

Kambarang (the flowering)           September to October

Birak          (the fruiting)                 November to December

Access to the free Bidi Katitjiny Aboriginal Womens' Trail can be gained from Piney Lakes Environmental Education Centre on Leach Highway, between Riseley Street and Murdoch Drive, Winthrop.             

For further information call 9364 0791 or go to www.melvillecity.com.au/pineylakes