Smoking ceremony launches Byron Bay project

Winslow NSW held a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony to launch the Sandhills Wetland Project in Byron Bay this week.

Uncle Brian Kelly welcomed those who attended and shared his knowledge of the area before he cleansed the project site and workers through a smoking ceremony.

Sandhills is a 1.8ha wetlands that will require the excavation and removal of about 15,000m3 of material and associated vegetation.

Once established, the wetlands will improve water quality at Clarkes Beach, Belongil Creek and Cumbebin Swamp, while also contributing to stormwater and flood management within the town centre.

This project is on Bundjalung country, which belongs to the Arakwal people, and the surrounding area is important to its traditional owners.

Winslow is working closely with the Arakwal to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is respected and protected while the project is conducted.