Given these are temporary closures, how long is this likely to take and what is the process? Demonstrating broader support for the reconciliation approach within the climbing community and climbing organisations will hopefully lead to an environment that is more conducive to involvement beyond GWRN. It’s not up to GWRN to determine which other organisations are able to participate in the site visits. This is the first time that this has occurred in the current access discussion. It is not consultation with the climbing community. It is important to note that GWRN is not making any decisions or negotiating on behalf of the climbing community, simply helping Gariwerd Traditional Owners with information and acting as a resource. The ability to enter the conversation with no agenda and no expectations on the process, rather a willingness to support a more objective and reconciliation focussed conversation has been key in shifting the dynamic. This invitation was an opportunity for Traditional Owners to ask questions openly, and to seek knowledge that could inform their decision making.īeing an independent non-aligned group has been a key consideration in the approach of GWRN. We were invited as a trusted, reconciliation focused, resource with the knowledge and expertise to provide valuable input and bring the perspective of climbing from our members’ knowledge and experience to the conversation. GWRN is not a representative climbing body. Why is GWRN involved when other similarly qualified climbers or climbing organisations have not been invited? This will allow the Traditional Owners to make more informed decisions about the future management of Cultural Heritage in Gariwerd. GWRN provided information about how these sites are used and accessed by climbers. As a result Traditional Owners asked for GWRN’s input as they wished to learn more about climbing and understand the value of these sites to the climbing community. Undertaking a reconciliation approach has fostered a level of respect and trust between Traditional Owners and GWRN. GWRN was invited to be involved in the site visits as a trusted resource. Why was GWRN asked to be involved in the site assessments? Traditional Owner groups and Parks Victoria have released information through their media channels.
Where can I find out more information about the recent announcements? These conversations are happening as there is an underlying belief that the co-existence of rock climbing and cultural heritage at these sites can be achieved. While we don’t know the outcomes, we do know that there is a genuine desire from the Traditional Owners to explore options that achieve both protection of Cultural Heritage and the continuation of recreation activities. Our goal is to work with Traditional Owners using the principles of reconciliation to arrive at a new process that brings our communities to a place of mutual respect and understanding. We also recognise that there is uncertainty and this is difficult for people, particularly following previous closures. We respect the need for these recently announced temporary closures at both sites to provide protection for Cultural Heritage while the necessary conversations take place.
Traditional Owners are keen to work together with GWRN, and ultimately the broader climbing community, to find more nuanced management solutions that allow recreation activities, in this case specifically rock climbing, and Cultural Heritage to co-exist where appropriate. The reconciliation-led approach has enabled us to build trust in our relationships and create a more collaborative approach. GWRN’s input was valued by Traditional Owners and will allow for more informed discussions and decision making. It was an opportunity for Traditional Owners to ask questions and gain a better understanding of climbing more broadly and the importance of these cliffs from GWRN members who have extensive rock climbing experience at these sites. The Traditional Owners of Gariwerd invited the Gariwerd Wimmera Reconciliation Network (GWRN) to be part of the recent site visits in Gariwerd in order to learn more about climbing practices at Taipan Wall and Bundaleer.
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