Contact Information:
National Centre for Sustainability
(03) 5022 3741
Russell Elliot (Tona)
(03) 5027 3206
Tona station is rich in cultural evidence of Aborigine and some early European
occupation. Many sites have been degraded by the lack of recognition and
protection in the past. While much of the latter European sites are lost due to
decay, fire and the reuse of building timbers, the shearing shed and quarters
remain. The more ancient evidence of Aborigine is extensive and lasting.
These sites are now being recognised, protected and valued accordingly.
European sitesAll that remains of this early European era are the shearing shed and quarters, and a legacy of land use change. Work has been undertaken by tradesmen, TAFE students and Russell Elliot to repair these historic and useful assets. The shearing shed has undergone white ant treatment including new flooring and has been fitted out with safer steps. The quarters are now useable with renovated walls, windows and steps. These facilities are being upgraded to support students, hold meetings, and assist with performing educational activities on the property.
Aboriginal sites
The number and variety of sites across Tona are extensive, indicating a much busier time of use when the wetlands were more frequently flooded.
Sites include burial sites, shell middens and fire hearths. Vegetation scars include canoe trees, shield and Coolamon trees, and boundary trees. Tools flint and grinding stones traded from other regions are also frequently discovered. Management techniques
Management is based on two key activities; reducing the threatening processes which undermine the assets, and rehabilitating the asset where possible.
European
For the early European assets (shearing shed and quarters) we have replaced degraded timbers and unsafe structures. Recycled native pine flooring was used in the reparations and improvements are planned to continue with replacement of windows and other structures with as authentic materials as possible.
Aboriginal
For Aboriginal sites the landscape rehabilitation activities, notably the removal of stock, will offer protection to ground based sites. For significant sites including the recently discovered burial site, the area has been fenced to exclude damage caused by pigs, rabbits and humans. The cultural sites discovered to date are listed on a property register. The discovery process has involved local Barkindji representatives, along with the seeking of their protection and registration advice.
All assets, Aborigine and European are now better known, better recorded and managed for the maintenance of their integrity and survival.