About This Project
The aim of the Kings Billabong project is to establish a working Aboriginal village on the banks of Kings Billabong – Yerre Yerre – in Mildura. The proposed project will be an Indigenous tourism, education and training hub where culture can be kept, shared and supported. It will be a unique attraction, the only one of its kind in the region and in addition to the training component, Yerre Yerre will incorporate a ‘glamping’ tourist accommodation facility. The village will provide an opportunity for training and cultural exchange programs and support for Indigenous start-ups within the arts and eco-adventure cultural tourism sectors. With a commercial kitchen, Yerre Yerre will also be available as a site for Indigenous and fusion cooking. It is also considered that Yerre Yerre could provide a support avenue for youth coming through the Koori court. The authentic cultural experience will define Yerre Yerra as a unique attraction, Both visitors and Indigenous people will have the opportunity to be part of our living legacy as they explore Aboriginal traditions and culture.
Outputs
- A language hub
- Bespoke training and education centre
- A living community space and cultural centre
- Onsite glamping tourist accommodation
- A support hub for Aboriginal ventures
- A commercial kitchen
- On the job training
- The latest technology
Target Audience
- Mildura’s Indigenous community
- Visitors to the region
- Local residents (school and community groups etc.)
Outcome
The overarching goal is to provide and support, pathways and opportunities for the development of Aboriginal tourism experiences in the Mildura region.
- A leading Indigenous tourism product that is a benchmark for cultural and tourism offerings nationally;
- Increased visitation to and length of stay in, the region by a minimum of two days;
- Build and position Mildura Aboriginal tourism businesses as sustainable tourism experiences and provide pathways for Aboriginal employment;
- Encourage Mildura regional Aboriginal tourism ventures and the wider tourism industry to work collectively and add value by connecting local Aboriginal culture with commercial outcomes;
- Identify and develop partnerships;
- Increase Aboriginal employment opportunities through the development of sustainable tourism ventures;
- Empower Aboriginal communities and individuals to achieve self-reliance, sustainability and vibrancy;
- Adopt a collaborative approach and promote Mildura Aboriginal tourism ventures that add value to each other;
- Develop and support business plans and models for individual communities, organisations for Aboriginal owned tourism ventures that meet quality standards.
Visitors will:
- Experience an authentic living Aboriginal village;
- Learn about the vibrant Aboriginal culture and traditions of the Latji Latji, Nyeri Nyeri, Tati Tati, Barkindji and Mutthu Mutthi nations;
- Experience the beautiful Yerre Yerre (Kings Billabong)
- Enjoy and participate in Indigenous cooking demonstrations;
- Learn about traditional weaving using local cotton grass;
- Learn about Aboriginal art and watch the creative process;
- Develop an understanding of the Mildura region’s history and learn what life was like in the challenging environment of the Victorian/NSW outback, where daily life involved hinting and gathering, fishing, cooking and other traditional activities;
- Participate in eco – adventure and cultural tourism activities.
Partners:
Local Indigenous community
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Parks Victoria
Private sector investors
It is planned for ownership and ongoing management of the project to be 50% Indigenous, with an Indigenous employment target of 80%.