Introducing Kimbarly Dulemerrin Reserve
Kimbarly Dulemerrin, “return of the grasstree” in Bunurong, is the new name for Trust for Nature’s reserve on Bunurong Country in south east Melbourne, determined by the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
The name refers to the Austral Grasstrees which are found in the area and will soon be planted on the reserve by Traditional Owners.
Trust for Nature is also working with Traditional Owners to develop a co-management plan, including installing new walking tracks and sign posts that connect to adjacent Lysterfield Park.
“As a Board member and an Aboriginal person living in Victoria on Bunurong Country, I am deeply proud of this naming initiative. I am looking forward to seeing more of this across Victoria in the future. Acknowledging our Traditional Owners and sharing language is just one step towards a reconciled Australia,” said Trust for Nature Board member Nina Braid.
Kimbarly Dulemerrin Reserve was acquired by Trust for Nature in 1995 as part of a subdivision and was only ever informally named. The 7.1 ha property protects a range of habitats from forests with granite boulders to vulnerable Grassy Forest and Riparian Scrub.
The reserve protects critical habitat on the edge of Melbourne, for vulnerable Powerful Owls which use the mature forest habitat in the reserve for their food and nesting needs. Green Scentbark, Cobra Greenhood and Dandenong Wattle are some of the special plants found in the reserve.
Trust for Nature Area Manager Ben Cullen said the naming is one step towards working more closely with Traditional Owners.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Bunurong Traditional Owners to look after this place. Kimbarly Dulemerrin is important because it protects habitat for threatened species and helps connect other protected areas in Melbourne.
“It’s a great spot to get a glimpse of a beautiful patch of forest and see birds, and is an interesting stroll for the more adventurous walkers.”
Trust for Nature will be holding an open day at the reserve in spring, and in the future hopes to invite school students onto the property to learn about nature conservation.