Officially named in 2002, this popular park on the edge of the Yarra River has been a meeting point for the Wurundjeri people for thousands of years.
Melburnians have met friends, watched the World Cup and partied at festivals at the grassy urban oasis over the years.
Rob Hyatt, manager of Education and Visitor Experience at Koorie Heritage Trust explained the meaning of the name: birrarung means river of mists, and marr refers to side or beside.
Drive listeners recalled their fond memories of Birrarung Marr:
Grump from Northern Victoria: “I remember as a kid coming to Melbourne for school from country NSW. We had to wait a couple of hours between trains during the 1960s. My mate and I would wander around behind the old rail workshops and the river, to where they had raised stone circles, and listen to the speakers venting there thoughts on a extremely diverse range of subjects. Mum was horrified that we went there, but Dad encouraged us as he believed it would help us form opinions. It became a regular at the start of each term.”
Kurt in Port Melbourne remembers “playing water polo at the old swim centre there for many years.”
Terry in Geelong taught us about the 2worlds festival: “I last went to Birrarung Mar on 14th March this year (the day that the Grand Prix was due to be held). The event was the 2worlds festival, a celebration of indigenous people and song. An awesome festival that featured Yirrmal, Xavier Rudd, and many others – I hope that it can be revived next year.”
Ross “commiserated with thousands of first-time soccer fans at 3 in the morning, in the middle of winter, watching Italy crush Australia’s dreams in the 2006 World Cup.”
Jonathon too: “I remember a friend sleeping through 13,000 people cheering when Australia scored at the world cup.”
Another listener shares this: “When I think of Birrarung Marr I think of the Melbourne Noodle night markets! A memory that fills my heart with warmth (kind of like the noodles and other goodies!). It’s such a great place to sit and see the life and energy of the city flow through, with Melbournians of all shapes, sizes, colours, aged and life stages passing through. What a lovely spot.”
Helen and other runners know it well: “Birrarung Marr is the finish line for the Run Melbourne half-marathon (and other distances). Fond memories of finishing a few races there as a late-comer to running (my late 40’s & now mid 50’s!) I do remember when it was a boulevard however- went to school near there & we had our swimming sports at the Olympic Pool that was there. Also remember the tram terminus which was there.”
Another Helen, this time in Healesville: “Long before the redevelopment, I remember going to the old Sir Frank Beaurepaire pool beside the Yarra for school swimming sports. It was on Batman Avenue which has disappeared too.”
Nicole in Murrembeena: “Hearing the Federation Bells – only once, with my Mum who is no longer with me. And one NYE night time picnic complete with low chairs, on what was a grass area, (now tall native plants) closest to the Batman Avenue, at the high and far corner, enjoying a great view of the midnight fireworks off a building near by, which were being set off by a mate.”
Luke in Preston: “I used to be part of Hosier Inc, a small group of residents and shop owners – we applied for a grant and commissioned the giant mural by artist Adnate of Malu, the indigenous boy – this mural was designed so that his gaze is directed to Birrarung Marr – the sacred place. Not many know this – now maybe a few more do!”
And Kath remembers sweatier times: “Sweating up a storm at Midsumma Carnival and coming back looking like a lobster. With the Aus Open crowds tracking through freaking out.”
Drive with Raf Epstein wants to uncover in to the ‘real’ history of iconic Melbourne spots by hearing your stories. If you have a great suggestion of a location for us to delve in to, email us.
The post The unofficial history of Birrarung Marr in Melbourne – Drive appeared first on Brunswick Remedial Massage.
source http://www.brunswickremedialmassage.com.au/running-marathon/the-unofficial-history-of-birrarung-marr-in-melbourne-drive/
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