Wil-im-ee Moor-ring (Mt William) Tour with Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
This event is rare and special opportunity to visit this National Heritage Listed site with Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
Wil-im-ee Moor-ring (Mount William) is a large quarry for greenstone near Lancefield in Wurundjeri Country.
The greenstone hatchet heads from Wil-im-ee Moor-ring (Woi-wurrung for tomahawk place) were highly sought after.
Aboriginal people traveled great distances for the Mount William greenstone hatchets, bringing with them the possum skin, cloaks and wooden spears necessary to trade for the hatchets. As a result, Wil-im-ee Moor-ring became one of the largest and most intensively-worked quarry sites in southeast Australia.
This tour of Wil-im-ee Moor-ring is one of three unique First Nations events that will be held during the Autumn Festival over one big weekend (1-2 April), each celebrating the region’s rich Indigenous heritage and offering a unique opportunity to learn from Traditional Owners’ and Custodians’ connection to Country.
Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
Uncle Bill is passionate about sharing his extensive cultural knowledge with the broader community. He is deeply committed to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung traditions and cultural practise and continuously advocates for the rights of contemporary Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to access and practise culture on traditional Country. Uncle Bill is Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Corporations Principal adult cross-cultural educator for the corporate, not-for-profit and university sectors. A former Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient (2015), Uncle Bill’s fellowship explored cultural practice and maintenance amongst First Nation communities in urban environments. Uncle Bill was also amongst the Victorian delegates nominated to attend the First People’s Assembly which resulted in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Event will include:
- Coach transfer from the Old Lancefield Courthouse (departing at 9:45 am and 1:45 pm)
- Guided tour, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Uncle Bill Nicholson Jnr.
- A group walk to celebrate the unique natural environment of Mount William Quarry
Note – this is a free event, but places are limited. Bookings are required – see ‘Buy Tickets’ button to reserve your spot. Tickets Available from midday on Tuesday 21 March.
Make sure to bring a water bottle and suitable clothing for the weather. Sturdy shoes are required as the walk will involve some off-track and rocky sections.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to fostering respect, understanding and trust between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Macedon Ranges communities. Council recognises the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the region – the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples
