Alongside the Tickera Community and Recreation Association and the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association, Barunga West Council is proud to announce its plans for a Tickera Historic Well and Walking Trail.
Fuelled by a $9,998 grant from the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board's Grassroots Grants program, the trail seamlessly melds the deep-rooted stories of the Nharangga people and pastoralists with contemporary QR code technology for an immersive experience.
“This trail isn’t just a path, it’s a journey through time and culture,” said Barunga West Council’s CEO Maree Wauchope.
Visitors can not only traverse the scenic gully but also delve into the intertwined tales of the Nharangga people, and pastoralists Parnell and Bowman, made accessible through modern QR-coded markers.
The trail promises a journey through history and a fascinating exploration of the Nharangga's native food palette and the well’s important role of providing Moonta mines with water in the 1860s.
Building on the Tickera Community and Recreation Association's 2021 initiative, which revitalised the area with a replanting program, trail-goers can expect an enriched landscape featuring native delights like Bush Tomatoes, Wattle, Saltbush, and Quandongs. With enhanced plantings, visitors are invited to a tactile and informative experience, acquainting themselves with the native food species that have sustained the Nharangga people for generations.
With the Nharangga Wambana Ngarga (Nharangga Knowledge group) providing invaluable insights, the collaborative venture ensures authenticity in storytelling, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
The Tickera Historic Well is one of two wells established on the pastoral lease of Parnell and Bowman in the 1850s.
The well was used to water cattle on their way from the Bowman's property at Crystal Brook to supply the townships of Kadina and Wallaroo with meat, and supplied Moonta Mines with water in the 1860s.
Long recognised for its European historical significance, the well is poised to shed light on the yet unacknowledged richness of the Nharangga heritage too. With the introduction of this new trail initiative, Barunga West Council reaffirms its commitment to valuing and respecting the Nharangga people's deep-rooted stories and intrinsic connection to the land.
“The essence of this project is to weave the threads of history, nature, and culture,” Ms Wauchope said. “By emphasising Nharangga narratives, we not only enrich our understanding of the Tickera Historic Well's significance but also embrace contemporary means to celebrate age-old stories.”
With modern QR-coded signages in the Nharangga language, walkers will find themselves on a journey that educates and enlightens. Every scan reveals layers of Nharangga history, plant details, and the well's significance. Plus, with a special feature on Barunga West Council's tourism website, topoftheyorke.com.au, the trail promises to be a draw for both locals and tourists, adding an educational dimension to the region's attractions.
The trail initiative underscores the health benefits of outdoor activities, inviting visitors to not only immerse themselves in history and culture but also engage in physical well-being.
“In every step on this trail, there's a story, a lesson, and a connection waiting to be made,” Ms Wauchope said.
“The project promises to enhance regional tourism, inviting visitors to explore a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.”
This innovative trail is one of 31 projects funded by this year's Grassroots Grants, with a cumulative grant distribution of $245,246, underscoring a commitment to sustainable and culturally rich landscape management.
The Tickera Historic Well/Nharangga Acknowledgment and Walking Trail project is funded by the Landscape Levy and delivered on behalf of the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board.