The Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail is located between Warrandyte Road and Highland Avenue and is part of the Mullum Creek Trail, which provides a remnant bush trail along the Creek, through Ringwood and Croydon.

The Cultural Heritage Trail includes interpretative signage, identifying the remnant bush and the significance the valley had for the Wurunjderi, the first inhabitants of what is now the City of Maroondah. The trail also features carvings of native fauna, as well as garden beds that include some of the native plants used by the Wurundjeri.

This afternoon I was invited to be part of the launch of the National Green Jobs Corps for the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail. The project involves 16 young people, aged between 17 and 24, for a six-month duration. The participants will undertake revegetation and signange works along the trail, between the Mullum Mullum Reserve and upstream to Oban Road.

The project aims to provide both employment and educational pathways for its participants and is a partnership between several organisations including:

• Mission Australia,
• Maroondah City Council,
• Melbourne Water,
• Waterwatch Melbourne,
• Swinburne TAFE,
• Mullum Mullum Creek Bushcare Group,
• CRISP Community Nursery
• and the Platypus Conservancy.

The work undertaken by the participants will deliver significant benefits to the local community and the Mullum Mullum Cultural Heritage Trail, as well as providing valuable employment skills and training in modules from the Certificate II Conservation and Land Management.

It is fantastic to see so many organisations coming together to improve not only the amenity of our natural bush trails but also to provide new skills and opportunities for younger people that have experienced unemployment.