Mandy Nicholson, Biik Ngarrga

“This is about the beautiful layers of Wurundjeri Country. There are six different layers: Biik-ut, Biik-dui, Baanj Biik, Murnmut Biik, Wurru wurru Biik and Tharangalk Biik.  

The first layer, Biik-ut or Below Country, is where we dig into the ground to collect ochre for dance and ceremony. The second layer, Biik-dui, is where we do dances and ceremonies, but also balance our cultural lives with our day to day. 

The next layer is Baanj-Biik or Water Country. Water forms part of every element of Country. It’s found in our bodies, the largest of oceans to water vapor up in space. It also forms part of our welcomes where we get guests to drink water from Country to show that resources are safe while they’re visiting.  

The next layer is Murnmut Biik or Wind Country. We can’t see wind, but we can see what wind touches. Wind blows our voices when we speak and sing in language, but also blows the smoke from our welcoming fires all the way up to Bunjil.  

The next layer is Wurru wurru Biik or Sky Country. That’s where we see Bunjil in his physical form watching over us with his helper Waang the Raven. 

The final layer, Tharangalk Biik, is Star Country. This is where Bunjil lives in his spiritual form as the star Altair and the stars either side of him creating his shoulders are Gunuwarra the Black Swans, his two wives, all forming the aquila constellation. The name is very important. Tharang means tree, Galk is stick and Biik is country. So it’s Bush Country, above the clouds.” 

Country trails connect Kallista, Belgrave and Birdsland, Belgrave Heights.

Whenever you’re visiting our national parks and state forests, please always check changes to trail conditions, and weather warnings, before beginning your walk. Be sure to take enough water,and wear suitable clothing for the conditions.