What an incredible day paddling up the Woditjup Bilya for 22 lucky locals who joined Wadandi cultural custodian Zac Webb and the Undalup Association’s Wadandi rangers.
It was all part of our latest monthly Friends of Wooditjup Bilya (Margaret River) program, made possible by funding from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.
First, Nature Conservation chair Ann Ward shared her passion for the special waterway and its unique values, water quality, endemic species and the fact that it’s the only river in the South-West with intact fringing vegetation.Then, Zac took the group on a paddle of the lower reaches of the river, inspiring the paddlers with his extensive knowledge of Wooditjup Bilya, both recent and in the deep past. The Wadandi connection to country is deep and fundamental.
He took the group to Gilgit Cove (Fish Cove), a sanctuary and nursery for many fish species, protected by gnarly old swamp paperbarks or “gundjil”.
And he discussed the oceanographic studies that he and his father Wayne have been a part of and which revealed that the Wooditjup Bilya was once a long way from the coast. But the end of the last ice age 40,000 years ago means the oceans have risen to present-day levels. The Wooditjup Bilya remains “intact” under the ocean and the location of the river and its meandering as described by Wayne Webb were confirmed by the research.Meanwhile, Zac also drew a map of the southwest of WA and showed the boundaries of the Noongar nation and each of the 14 distinct language groups. He described the 4 different skin groups of the Noongar nation that determine one’s place in life and traditionally, who you can and cannot marry.
“We were all fascinated by the insights shared by Zac and the rangers, and are so grateful for their incredible generosity,” said Ann.
Learn more about the Margaret River and the Friends of Wooditjup Bilya program HERE.