The Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group members are asking for help to complete the task, with volunteers asked to text 0438 719 628 or email denilandcare@gmail.com if they can help with the working bee from 9am to 11am.
Transformation of the Werrpanakata Fish Park in Brown’s Park off Hardinge St has been ongoing for a number of years, with Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre leading the transformation of the island with funding from Aboriginal Fishing Trust.
Yarkuwa chair Jeanette Crew said it will feature a variety of native plants, which have been used by First Nations people for millennia.
The plants can be used in everything from traditional medicines, to food and clothing.
‘‘Everything we’re planting has a use; there’s no wasted space,’’ Mrs Crew said.
‘‘They also provide a benefit to the whole lagoon system, by cleaning out water and creating good.’’
Also on the island will be a fire pit, educational signage and a catch and release fishing platform, all of which have been made accessible to those with mobility issues.
‘‘It’s something that not many, or any, communities have; it’s totally unique,’’ Mrs Crew said.
‘‘It will be used by Yarkuwa for educational events, as a function area, and is otherwise available for all to use.’’
Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group member and Ricegrowers Association of Australia local landcare coordinator Erika Heffer said the work being completed has multiple benefits.
‘‘The benefit for us is that it creates a healthy environment, and Yarkuwa will get a valuable educational resource.’’
An October park opening is the goal, but that depends on COVID-19 rules.
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