Circular Projects » Hunter

The traditional custodians of the land, the Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung-speaking people have lived as hunter-gatherers in the Point Cook area.

The Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung-speaking people have had a long association with the rivers and coast of the Point Cook area. They have lived here sustainably for 40,000 years.

They pass on traditional knowledge from one generation to the next. Their knowledge includes caring for Country, seasonal changes in weather, and the availability of foods from large animals, small mammals, bird life and marine life in the bay.

Hunting and tool-making was carried out largely by the men of the two tribes. Animals were speared for their meat but also provided material for tools, bags, nets and clothing.

The Boonwurrung and Woiwurrung language groups were part of the confederacy known as the Kulin (the people) nation. Consisting of clans (family groups) they share common words, traditions, practices and had strong trading relationships. The Boonwurrung comprise six clans, while the Woiwurrung have five clans. Their languages have 93 per cent of their vocabulary in common.

Both groups have claimed the Point Cook area as part of their traditional land. The boundary delineation is currently before the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council.