John Blay will launch his latest book, On Track – Searching out the Bundian Way, at Candelo Books on Thursday 6th August at 5pm, with an interview by local historian Mark McKenna.
On Track tells the story of the search for the Bundian Way, an important Aboriginal pathway between Mt Kosciuszko (Targangal) and Twofold Bay (Tulemulerer) near Eden on the New South Wales far south coast. The 360-kilometre route traverses some of the nation’s most remarkable landscapes, from the highest place on the continent to the ocean. This pathway brought together the Aboriginal people of the greater region, most notably for ceremonies associated with whaling in springtime at Twofold Bay and moth hunting in the high country during summer.
This epic story uncovers the history, country and rediscovery of this significant track. Now heritage-listed, the Bundian Way is set to be one of the great Australian walks.
John Blay’s considerable consultation and historical research took into account historical writings and maps, as well as stories, oral history and surveyors’ scarred trees and journals. He also embarked on a series of walks through the region, searching for the pathway.
The Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) started surveying the route in 2010, with up to five Koori personnel at a time walking different sections in legs of up to 8 days. Many parts, especially those in the wilderness areas, had to be visited again and again to clarify details and establish the old pathway route.
The route passes a multitude of localities highly significant to the Aboriginal community. In many parts the influence of Aboriginal land management is still obvious. For example, at Merambego, on the eastern edge of Kosciuszko National Park, fire and the results of Aboriginal burning are evident in its grasslands and grassy woodlands. The survey team recorded a large range of artefacts along the entire route, as well as scarred trees and very substantial yamfields (including yam plants like Early Nancy, Vanilla Lily and Diuris or Donkey Orchid) which provided an important food source for people making their way to and from the moth ceremonies.
Travelling Stock Reserves form an important part of the Bundian Way. Across the Monaro watered campsites about twelve km apart were used by Aboriginal people. The bullockies and travellers also found they made excellent campsites and from the 1870s many were made Crown Land reserves, now known as Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs). Artefacts and other indications demonstrate the earlier occupation.
Noel Whittem, Project Officer with the Eden LALC said “John Blay has put the Bundian Way on the map. The Land Council is now working on a major project to develop the Bundian Way including developing the gateway to the Bundian Way (the Keeping Place at Jigamy Farm, north of Eden), the Bundian Way Story Trail at Twofold Bay (Tulemulerer) and the development of a cultural education facility at Fisheries Beach (Bilgalera). The longer term goal is to provide campsites and cultural information for the entire heritage listed route. The Bundian Way is about recognising and celebrating cultural heritage. Our hope is that this will lead to sustainanble employment and training opportunities for local Aboriginal people.”
For those who can’t make it to Candelo Books this Thursday, the book will also be launched at the Delegate School of Arts at 1pm on Saturday August 15.
