Ganbu Biik - The Yarning Circle 

The idea for the Upwey Yarning Circle was first proposed and accepted by the UCG in 2022. A potential site was identified in the village green area behind the Main Street shops, and a sub-group of community members was formed to begin investigating how to develop and implement the project.

After consultation with both the Upwey community and Yarra Ranges Council, action began.  The YRC moved very quickly on the project and within a few short months, the area was cleared, drainage installed and the large rocks, which form the circle, put in place.  

Yarning circles are an integral part of indigenous culture.  A place for storytelling, sharing knowledge, safeguarding beliefs and culture, discussion, listening, collaboration and decision making. A place where the views of all are respected. Given these cultural ties it was important that our Yarning Circle be appropriately named. One of the subgroup members, a First Nations Person, dreamed up the name – Ganbu Biik (One Land). This name was approved by local Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Murrundindi, who later conducted a ‘Welcome to Country’ ceremony for us in the space.

We then worked with council to begin an indigenous garden.  They provided us with many plants and members of the community helped with the planting.  

The future direction of the space is to keep working on and developing the indigenous garden into an educational garden for children and adults. It is also planned to hold multicultural gatherings and special events (of which there have already been a number) in the circle. Ganbu Biik is promoted as a ‘safe’ community space and we invite everyone to visit and use the circle for their enjoyment.