Smoking Ceremony marks start of early works at Point Nepean

Early works are now underway at the future Point Nepean Education and Research Field Station, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Monash University. The milestone was marked by a Smoking Ceremony held on Bunurong Country, acknowledging the significance of the site and paying respect to Country as next steps are taken in the project’s development. 

Led by representatives of the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, the ceremony took place on-site at the historic Badcoe Hall within Point Nepean National Park. Academic leaders and staff from both universities, as well as representatives from Parks Victoria and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water attended the event, which offered a powerful moment of reflection, cleansing, and connection to Country.  

The ceremony also marked the cultural heritage salvage excavation works, being undertaken in coordination with the Bunurong Land Council, as part of early site preparations. These works pave the way for construction of the new facility, which will support research, teaching and community engagement in this unique coastal setting. 

The universities extend their sincere thanks to the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation for their continued collaboration and look forward to progressing the project in close partnership with Traditional Owners.