Connecting Community Connecting Culture

This project aims to increase community connectivity while highlighting the cultures that define the people who live here.

An all-abilities path will provide a safe route for locals and visitors to walk or cycle between the town centre and the Knob Reserve.

The 1.25km path will be an extension of the Stratford Arts Trail which celebrates local artists and historical Shakespearian cultural connections.

The reserve is Brayakaulung country and used for countless generations as a ceremonial and meeting place for the five clans of the Gunnaikurnai.

Encouraging connection will open opportunities to understand and appreciate this cultural history as well.

This pathway is a high priority in the Stratford Community Plan. The community has expressed strong support for the sharing of local knowledge, emphasising the importance of the Knob Reserve, as well as for safer access to use the reserve, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles.

The Wellington Shire Council’s vision for their Walking and Cycling Plan is to connect communities with safe interlinking paths.

The GLaWAC joint Management Plan also identifies the need to physically connect communities and Aboriginal culture across Gippsland. The range of cultural artefacts at the reserve provides a pivotal educational tool for sharing this cultural knowledge.