This column is dedicated to those who have gone before us, to those present and to those who will follow us.

ON FRIDAY this week, we had an amazing ceremony at the new Murrumbidya Wetlands in Waagan Waagan (Wagga Wagga).

The event showcased a new healing area that Wagga Wagga City Council and local Aboriginal people have helped to reconstruct for our region.

We had a smoking ceremony, performed by Peter Ingram, a Welcome to Country, from Aunty Gail Manderson, welcome didgeroo dance, by me and Deputy Mayor Dallas Tout, and also Joe Williams, all yarned about the area and our people.

A large crowd were in attendance and the day was warm and inviting.

We all had some light refreshment and drinks and then spent some time catching up with people and other mobs.

The Murrumbidya Wetlands, when completed, will be a showcase for our region, for locals and visitors alike.

It will attract back budyaan (birds) balugan (animals) and plant life.

When that occurs, then people will follow.

The area will also have a learning centre.

With my school cultural programs that I do I will also use this area to teach and share about who Wiradjuri people are, where we have been, and where we are going.

Another important thing about the Murrumbidya Wetlands is the fact that you can yanhanha (walk) our Wiradjuri Walking Track from Wiradjuri Reserve to Gobba Beach and you can also swing off the track and take in the wetland tour.

You can actually watch ngaligin-gu garray (our land) regenerate back to near what is was before its destruction and neglect.

To see budyaan-bu balugan (bird and animal) come back, to smell the sweet smell of new wet native grasses that have just kissed the morning dew, and that pleasant noise of ngurambang (country) going about healing itself will be just amazing.

Education of people, learning about native plants and animals, having good healthy waterways is what Wiradjuri have done for thousands of years.

This new area will attract budyaan-bu mayainy (bird and people) to come, relax and connect.

It is now our turn to step up and protect ngaligin-gu ngurambang (our country) for those who have fallen behind us in days gone by, and for those who will stand with us tomorrow.

For more about cultural places and learning go to my web page at www.bundyiculture.com.au