“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” is the famous quote by astronaut Neil Armstrong when he became the first human to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 moon landing mission in 1967.
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Another piece of history, involving steps in the right direction, was repeated again last week and this time it wasn’t in outer space but right in our own backyard.
Taking time out of their busy political lives, five members of parliament set foot on the Bundian Way last Friday May 13, for a first-hand experience of what is now being penned as a project of international significance.
NSW Infrastructure minister and Bega MP Andrew Constance, NSW regional development minister and Monaro MP John Barilaro, NSW Aboriginal affairs minister Leslie Williams, NSW National MLC Bonnie Taylor and federal Eden-Monaro MP Peter Hendy joined members of the Eden Local Aborigional Land Council and Bundian Way Advisory Committee for a strategic pre-election visit to various spots along the 365km ancestral pathway.
Eden Yuin elder Pastor Ossie Cruse was with them.
“We’re very appreciative of the time the ministers took to look at one of the most advanced and important combined aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage programs in the country,” Pastor Cruse said on Monday May 16.
Bundian Way project manager Noel Whittem said the tour began in Bombala Council Chambers with Bombala Mayor Bob Stewart present, followed by a visit to the Bondi Springs’ yam fields.
“There was a discussion of the Aboriginal people’s cultivation of yams, the history of travelling stock reserves, and the proposed use of these reserves for campsites along the Bundian Way,” Mr Whittem said.
Mr Whittem said the party then moved to White Rock Picnic Area for a stirring presentation by BJ Cruse relating to traditional use of forests, and a massacre that took place nearby.
The Ministers then inspected the recently-opened Bundian Way Story Trail at Twofold Bay during which they admired the work of the ELALC Aboriginal rangers, before ending their tour with lunch and presentations by ELALC acting CEO Les Kosez and John Blay at the Keeping Place of Jigamy Farm.
“It’s great to now have the commitment from both spheres of government, State and Federal, to the development of the Bundian Way,” Mr Whittem said.
Mr Whittem said there is a “real desire by the wider community to see the Bundian Way happen” and offer meaningful and long-term employment for the Aboriginal community and a sustainable tourism enterprise.
