Djaara language

The Bendigo Law Courts embodies the principle of 'culture of place' by integrating contemporary artwork, cultural themes, and language to celebrate the living culture of the Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung People), the Traditional Owners of the land.

Court Services Victoria(Opens in a new tab/window) worked with Djaara(Opens in a new tab/window) to incorporate Dja Dja Wurrung language in locations throughout the building and precinct. This inclusion is consistent with the tranquil and reflective atmosphere of the building's design.

Djaara see language as one of the most significant aspects of the culture and heritage of any group. Aboriginal culture and knowledge systems are largely expressed verbally, through vocalising place names, stories and songs. Aboriginal languages express not only culture, but also kinship, relationship to the land and water (oceans and rivers) and environmental knowledge. They contain a complex conceptual framework for the living things on the land, the landscape and natural resources. Without language, the link between Aboriginal people and Country would be compromised and the benefit of Aboriginal knowledge may be lost.

Court Services Victoria gratefully acknowledges the ongoing leadership of the Dja Dja Wurrung in sharing their language and culture at the Bendigo Law Courts, and for raising awareness and sharing their culture with everyone who visits.

In the below section you can learn more about the Djaara language used in the public locations in the building. The information includes the Djaara language, its meaning in English, a spoken recording, and the level and location where it is used. This content is reproduced with permission from Djaara(Opens in a new tab/window).