ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses, from a Wurundjeri perspective, the definition of and how our connection to Country has changed (if at all) through time, with a focus on the urban heritage and landscape of Narrm, the area of metropolitan Melbourne. Throughout this chapter, reference to Narrm and Melbourne is done as two separate entities in time and context. Past Ngurungaeta (Leader) William Barak (c.1824–1903) is also referred to by his traditional name of Berak, unless noted by other authors as Barak. Australia as an Aboriginal landscape is defined by how language, land, water, Country and multiple voices work together to define Wurundjeri people. The comparative differences between the conventional definition of landscape and a Wurundjeri perspective of Country are considered and how these work both separately and together. Wurundjeri history and how its culture and language have survived after nearly being erased because of the European invasion are also discussed. Wurundjeri Country and urban heritage management are reflected upon through two case studies, towards respectfully positioning Wurundjeri peoples into urban planning and urban heritage management processes and outcomes, much of which has overlooked Wurundjeri perspectives for too long.
