A small group of MFNs and Max Harris, a local Koori man, gathered at the Mallinson Road site. After a brief discussion on the unlikelihood of adding new season annuals to our autumn plant survey list, due to the dry conditions, we decided to survey a different site off the Rankin Springs Road. The Wiradjuri name for the site is Wirrimbirra (keep, preserve, take care of) Yalul (always).

Wirrimbirra Yalul has rocky outcrops on a hill with gentle slopes that lead down from it. It’s several hectares in area but due to frequent rain showers which eventually became heavier, we didn’t explore the entire patch. On our arrival, Max pointed out stone artefacts (and their traditional uses) near the remains of a gravel deposit. He was very informative about Wiradjuri history and culture as well as the flora and fauna of the place. We had interesting exchanges about cultural bias with scientific names and common names, in English and Aboriginal languages. Max is well versed in all three naming systems and is very generous in sharing his knowledge.

In listing the plants and birds we noted at Wirrimbirra Yalul, the Wiradjuri names are added as they are recorded in “A New Wiradjuri Dictionary” compiled by Dr. Stan Grant (Senr) and Dr. John Rudder,2010. Words with * indicate they can be heard on the Free Wiradjuri Language App where they are pronounced  by Wiradjuri speakers, listed under the English common name. There are hundreds of words and phrases listed there to explore. A brief pronunciation guide for readers not using the App is provided at the end of the list.