Indigenous Framework and Action Plan 2007 – 2011

Indigenous History in Monash

When Europeans first settled in the Port Phillip region it was already occupied by five Aboriginal language groups, the Woi wurrung, Boon wurrong, Wathaurong, Taungerong and Dia Dia Wrung. These groups were part of the Kulin nation. Each of these groups consisted of up to six or more land-owning units called clans that spoke a related language and were connected through cultural and mutual interests, totems, trading initiatives and marriage ties.

In 2002, the City of Monash commissioned a report on the Indigenous history of Monash. This report, completed by Amorosi and Murphy of Tardis Enterprises, highlighted that the land, now recognised as the City of Monash, was part of the area occupied by the Woi wurrung, specifically the Wurundjeri people, and Boon wurrong clans.

The resources available for Indigenous subsistence in the past would have been rich. Monash and its surrounding regions contains a variety of productive ecological zones such as riverine, mountainous and terrestrial that would have been attractive for hunter-gathers.

It is likely that areas associated with water bodies and drainage systems were the focus of exploitation by Indigenous people within and near Monash. The Dandenong Creek, its tributaries and floodplain as well as Scotchman's and Gardiner's Creeks would have formed part of the focus of pre-settlement Indigenous exploitation and habitation.

Within the riverine ecological zone, there would have been variations in staple species diversity and abundance, and this in turn would have influenced site location and visitation frequency. Campsites would have been situated on elevated dry and sheltered ground adjacent to Dandenong Creek.

There have been two archaeological sites previously recorded in Monash, both of which are scarred trees (AAV 7922/353 and 7922/614). The two sites recorded were subject to a field inspection on 14 June 2002. AAV 7922/353 was recorded along the banks of Dandenong creek, however it proved difficult to locate again as it had been recorded nine years previous by Rhodes (1993) and was already dead when recorded (AAV site card). Several dead trees were located in the vicinity of the original recording, however all were substantially deteriorated through natural process. As a result the tree could no longer be identified with any certainty.

The scarred tree, originally located along Springvale Road, which had been relocated adjacent to a water feature in Valley Reserve (AAV7922/614), has been subject to weathering and decay. This site comprises of the mid section of a scarred tree that has been cut down. Whilst both sites are of low scientific significance, they should be considered as being of high cultural significance to the City of Monash, being the only Indigenous sites currently identified within the municipal boundary.

(Amorosi, L & Murphy, A Tardis Enterprises Pty Ltd, 2002).

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Published: 11 February 2008

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