Purpose
Health |
Fitness may be the main reason for travelling the Reconciliation Trail, however, regardless of the persons level of awareness this experience goes far beyond individual physical health. One of the key messages embedded in the trail is that of 'healing'; healing psychologically, physically and spiritually through learning about and understanding native Indigenous practices involved in land management, bush tucker and medicinal vegetation. Healing of the mind, body and spirit ensures a harmonious balance to the persons health in the Indigenous Aboriginal belief system.
In relation to reconciliation, healing the psychological state of the descendants of those involved and all Australians both Indigenous and non-Indigenous is an essential part of the process of reconciliation. Without healing the psychological and spiritual state of all Australians regarding racial and land ownership issues acceptance and peace is hindered and a state of reconciliation cannot be achieved.
In relation to reconciliation, healing the psychological state of the descendants of those involved and all Australians both Indigenous and non-Indigenous is an essential part of the process of reconciliation. Without healing the psychological and spiritual state of all Australians regarding racial and land ownership issues acceptance and peace is hindered and a state of reconciliation cannot be achieved.
Awareness |
Alike the Indigenous value for storytelling and passing down traditional practices to younger generations, this trail requires the use of storytelling. This is essential in spreading awareness of both the historical events of the Myall Creek Massacre and the people involved as well as the Indigenous significance of the surrounding landscape. This is achieved through the interpretive signage along the trail with QR codes linking people to information and connecting them to others who have experienced the trail with a journey tracker providing real time data in hope to build a community and enhance safety. The QR code links are accessible by the public for maximum awareness, unless the user of a device makes their contribution or use private.
Education |
The Living Classroom is the starting point of the educational journey with demonstrations on native vegetation, planting, bush tucker and land management practices. Dependant on programming and logistics guides will be available to take visitors on tours of the site and further along the Reconciliation Trail to the Myall Creek Massacre Memorial. At rest points along the way there will be interpretive signage, shelter and appropriately designed areas for additional demonstrations to take place in a respectful manner to the Indigenous founders of the land.
Signage |
The interpretive signage designed for the reconciliation trail has a clear symbolic significance to the healing process towards reconciliation between the varying perspectives and experiences of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Awareness and understanding of the symbolism is clear and concise and is strengthened as the person experiencing the trail delves deeper into the stories of Myall Creek and uncovers the truth of Australia's history.
Rest Stop A - Landscape Plan
To first identify with the 28 Aboriginals killed in the Myall Creek Massacre
Rest Stop C - Landscape Plan
Existing Walking Trails
Perspectives - User Experience
Entrance in to Bingara from Delungra-Ashford Road
Road junction leading to the Myall Creek Memorial and adjacent proposed Education and Cultural Centre site