02/06/2026
Happy , tree friends! Today we want to share with you this beautiful Coolamon-shaped seat carved from the enormous fallen bough of the Guildford Big Tree, a River Red Gum or Biyal in Dja Dja Wurrung.
In 2024, around 25 tonnes of wood fell from this magnificent tree, which is conservatively estimated to be more than 500 years old, but could be more like 1000. Culturally modified long ago by the local Djaara people, the ancient Biyal was beloved by the local community, both human and wildlife. So when those mighty boughs fell, the community came together to make sure they were treasured and honoured.
This Sunday, the Djaara and wider Guildford community welcomed the new Reconciliation Seat back to the Biyal. It felt really special to be gathering together to celebrate the ongoing life of this ancient tree and everything it shares with the community. It was a real reminder of the value and legacy of respecting and caring for big, old trees, whose lifetimes dwarf our own.
The seat was carved by local artisan and former Dahl Fellow Pete McCurley () under the guidance of Uncle Rick Nelson, DJAARA members and key Aboriginal community members.
Uncle Rick hopes that 'the seat will become a place for the community to gather during
difficult times, drawing on the wisdom of a tree that has stood for centuries.
"Sit here on this Reconciliation Seat and draw on the wisdom, strength and knowledge of this old tree. As you work out a dispute, may what it has seen over hundreds of years bring calmness and guide you toward resolution," Uncle Rick said.'
