Home Page - Project Wappan

What is Project Wappan?

Project Wappan was established in September 1999 with funding received from the Stegley Foundation. The project finished in April 2003 with the production of the play The Widow of Wappan, an original script written by Mansfield playwright Heather Matthew.

Within this short time, Project Wappan contributed significantly to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture in the Mansfield district.

Project Wappan - major achievements:

• Formed the Delatite Indigenous Reference Group, DIRG.
• Formed the Mansfield Reconciliation Group.
• Produced the play, The Widow of Wappan in conjunction with Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society, MMuDS.
• Created the Project Wappan website.
• Provided the opportunity for Indigenous participation in the Olympic Torch relay at Benalla in 2000.
• Promoted awareness of Indigenous culture in the areas of education, local government and community events.

Contributed to the naming of a new roadside stop on the Goulburn Valley Highway called Taungurung Country Rest Area.	Hosted a visit from award-winning author Boori (Monty) Prior to Mansfield in 2000.	Published the book,The Widow of Wappan: the story.

Indigenous protocol is now observed at most civic and community functions when local Taungurung representatives perform the traditional "welcome to country" ceremony.