The Bundian Way Management Committee’s John Blay and BJ Cruse accepted the 2012 NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Award from the Minister for Heritage, Robyn Parker.
THE Bundian Way Management Advisory Committee has received NSW’s highest heritage award in recognition of the heavy workloads the project has demanded of its volunteer workforce, including those in Bombala and Delegate.
At the presentation of the prestigious 2012 NSW Government Heritage Volunteer Award, the Minister for Heritage, Robyn Parker, said:
“The Bundian Way Advisory Committee has been instrumental in assisting the Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council and other stakeholders in delivering the Bundian Way Project.
“Their work acknowledges the ancient pathway made by local Aboriginal peoples from the Snowy Mountains to the sea, which served as a trading route and important cultural network.
“The Bundian Way Project seeks to provide unique heritage experiences along the pathway, delivered via ‘hubs’ including an Art Gallery and example campsites.
“The project features both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal elements that celebrate the pathway as part of our shared heritage.”
At the presentations, upon receiving the award, BJ Cruse, Chair of Eden Local Aboriginal Land Council, talked about the amount of work done by the committee.
“We’ve been working on this for over ten years now. It has all been necessary towards getting a good outcome in heritage terms,” he said. “The recognition is great for the Aboriginal people.
“The committee includes the land management agencies of the region such as National Parks, State Forests, Catchment Management Authority, Lands Department, Bombala Council, Bega Valley Shire Council, Delegate Progress Association and the Education Department.
“To get this far individuals from these organisations have made contributions far above the call of duty. They all deserve congratulations as well.”
After the presentation, Chair of the Committee, John Blay was particularly keen to acknowledge the input of the local district.
“The Bombala Council, NPWS, State Forests and the Delegate Progress Association have been remarkable supportive and instrumental in making the Bundian Way happen, and letting it achieve a profile,” Mr Blay said.
“We can’t praise them enough. Especially Karen Cash, our Secretary.”
Mr Blay noted, however, that there is still an enormous amount of work to be done before the Bundian Way can be officially opened as a walking route.
“Then, we are likely to see the new jobs begin to flow,” he said.