Arc Infrastructure is proud to have supported the Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation (NKAC) in the development and launch of the Noongar Trail (Toodyay), an important initiative and interactive walking trail bridging the connection of the local Aboriginal people to the area of Toodyay.
Spanning 11 locations over 9 kilometres, the free and immersive Noongar Trail (Toodyay) highlights Noongar people’s deep connection to boodja (land), following the pathway of bilya (rivers), kaarta (hills), ancient bidi (walk tracks), and into Toodyay Shire’s museums.
The Shire of Toodyay area is significant for Noongar people in that it is within three Noongar countries Whadjuk, Yued and Ballardong.
Project Manager for the NKAC, Helen Shanks, thanked Arc for the business’ ongoing support over the years.
“For the past few years, Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation worked hard to bring the Noongar Trail (Toodyay) to life so we’re very proud to see it operational and promoting Aboriginal pride, knowledge and interpretation, cultural sustainability and reconciliation. We expect it will attract many visitors who want to learn more about Aboriginal history and culture from an Aboriginal perspective,” Ms Shanks said.
“This project has been made possible through shared vision and reconciliation action with the Shire of Toodyay, and the generous support of our sponsors and supporters, including Arc.”
“Arc Infrastructure’s long-time support to components of the trail has played a vital role in bringing this cultural experience to our community, and we are so thankful to those who helped make it possible.”
Over the past five years, Arc has provided numerous forms of support to NKAC towards the development of the trail:
- 2020: Arc contributed $1,500 for the digital design of an artwork for a Redbank Pool Art Project “Ngulla Moort” (our family) Noongar Boodja Interpretive Board.
- 2021: Arc contributed $1,500 towards a NKAC led Noongar Art and Interpretation Gnulla Karnany Waangkiny (Our Truth Telling) Project at the Town Water Tanks Pelham Reserve Lookout area.
- 2024: Arc donated $2,200 in funding for Location 5 – Boyagerring – of the Noongar Trail (Toodyay).
Arc Infrastructure General Manager Works Delivery Daniel Ellis congratulated Noongar Kaartdijin Aboriginal Corporation for their work.
“We are pleased we’ve been able to support the NKAC and the creation of the Noongar Trail, which will create real benefits for the community of Toodyay,” Mr Ellis said.
“Arc Infrastructure aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through meaningful recognition, social investment and relationship building. By investing in projects like this one with the NKAC, the business is developing a deeper understanding of the diversity of the Aboriginal communities across which we work.”
“Arc recognises the accomplishments of the dedicated volunteer group in sharing knowledge about the Noongar heritage of the Toodyay area and creating cultural awareness through truth telling.”
Learn more about NKAC at
https://noongarkaartdijin.com.au/ or download a
printable A4 Noongar Trail (Toodyay) map here.
Image of Elders, Cultural Knowledge Holders with NKAC Chairman and Robert Miles and Shire of Toodyay President Michael McKeown by James Stephan Photography.
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