By Derek Schlennstedt
A submission By Darcy Duggan at the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on 27 November has accused Council of misusing federal funds.
Mr Duggan said that following a $250,000 grant from Casey Member Jason Wood, it was expected that an Art of Place Indigenous Cultural Garden would be built at Burrinja Cultural Centre.
“This project (Art of Place) was originally developed over 2-3 years by Elizabeth Connolly, a community member of the Burrinja board, who with the support of local member Jason Wood, was successful in gaining a grant for $250,000 under the Federal Government Regional Partnerships Program in 2009 for its implementation.”
“Whilst there is no argument as to the important role and function Burrinja plays within the community, I wish to raise serious concerns as to what is a “dark stain” on the history of this program … I refer to the Art of Place project which remains unfinished.”
Created in the grounds surrounding Burrinja, the Art of Place Garden was expected to be an Indigenous cultural and environmental place for learning, reflection, gathering, creativity and celebration of local Indigenous culture and country.
According to Mr Duggan, the current garden at Burrinja leaves a lot to be desired, and does not meet the original plans.
“Following a visit to Burrinja, the gardens appear neglected, weed infested and un-loved … you can’t help feel that Burrinja has abandoned its commitment to the Art of Place project,” he said.
“The project has not been completed and as such, does not meet the conditions of the federal grant which has never been publicly acknowledged.”
Burrinja Executive Director, Dr Ross Farnell spoke to the Mail and said there have been difficulties in meeting the initial plans, but that all the funding was used in the first iteration of the project- to complete landscaping works.
“I know people would like to see iterations of it, and more development of it, but that would require funding from other sources to make that happen,” Dr Farnell said.
“Certainly as far I understand that original first phase was all done … Council certainly used the funding made available.”
Yarra Ranges Council Creative Communities Manager Greg Box addressed the use of funding, but also conceded that some plants did need to be replaced.
“All funding was successfully acquitted by the Federal Government which involved an independent auditor verifying that the funds have been spent appropriately,” Mr Box said.
“Some plants have not survived the original planting and more appropriate replacements have been made.”
“Council and Burrinja will continue to develop the space and garden with the indigenous community to build on the original work.”
