Standing on the banks of the Serpentine River can be a stimulating experience for most but none more that Mandurah man George Walley.
The community leader has been taking part educational programs at the local icon for years, in an attempt to share the cultural significance of the area and educate people on how to respect the river.
Known as Waangaamaap Bilya, the body of water was a fishing spot, a meeting place and a home to the Bindjareb, who were the first known people to inhabit the Mandjoogoordap area.
As summer approaches and families gear up for their Christmas breaks, the local Aboriginal identity joined Peel environmental experts to speak to groups of students from Greenfields Primary School at the Riverside Gardens Reserve.
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The Peel Harvey Catchment Council’s science and waterways program manager Steve Fisher and Noongar participation coordinator Thelma Crook ran sessions in conjunction with Mr Walley on November 29, to teach the students how to respect and appreciate the local river system.
Ms Crook spoke about the river and its inhabitants.
She spoke to attendees about microorganisms and how they could be used to indicate the health of the waterway.
Ms Crook showed students how to identify microorganisms in small samples of water.
She said what was found was anticipated, however, it was hard to judge unless a proper study was undertaken.
Mr Walley spoke about the cultural significance of the wetlands and its link to the region’s Aboriginal ancestors.
From discussing leafs to bush tucker and medicine, he ran students through the way Aboriginal children used to learn about their environment from their elders.
Mr Walley said those fundamental lessons were important as they affected livelihood.
“When you walk along the river you probably look at one hundred things. Back in the old days when children were learning, they were taught every day,” he said.
Mr Fisher discussed the role wetlands play in the Peel and how farming practices affected local waterways.
The location for the information session was boarded by the recently renamed Joseph and Dulcie Nannup Trail.
The four-kilometre section of walking trail was named after the duo at an official ceremony in February.
Joseph and Dulcie Nannup lived in bush camps in the area, sustaining their six daughters and six sons on fish caught from the river and lakes nearby.
On top of the cultural significance of the river, Greenfields Primary School teacher Lee-Anne Walley said it was important for students to learn about the area especially because it is a Ramsay site.
“We’re quite fortunate here. There are not many places that have rivers, lakes, estuaries, creeks and the ocean all meeting in the one spot,” she said.
