Mount Alexander Shire Council and DJAARA invite the community to come together to honour and celebrate the Guildford Big Tree at a free community event this Sunday.
Held during Reconciliation Week 2026, the event forms part of DJAARA’s Guildford Biyal (Red Gum) Big Tree Project, which recognises the profound cultural, environmental and historical significance of this ancient river red gum.
Believed to be between 500 and 1000 years old, the Guildford Biyal is one of the largest river red gums in Victoria and is listed on the National Trust’s Register of Significant Trees. Sacred to the Dja Dja Wurrung People, the tree is recognised as a marker of culturally significant places and as an enduring link between the local community and the Traditional Owners of the land.
The ceremony, at 13 Fryers Street Guildford, will be led by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, with support from DJAARA Women dancers and will centre on the return of a large section of the limb that fell from the tree in February 2024. The fallen limb has been respectfully transformed into a giant coolamon, now known as the Reconciliation Seat.
Crafted by local artisan Pete McCurley under Uncle Rick Nelson’s guidance, the Reconciliation Seat is intended as a place of gathering, healing and connection for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities, positioned in the presence of this remarkable tree.
Uncle Rick Nelson invites the community to come and experience the tree and the new Reconciliation Seat.
“Sit here on this Reconciliation Seat and draw wisdom, strength and knowledge of this old tree,” he said.
“As you work out a dispute, may what it has seen over hundreds of years bring calmness and guide you toward resolution.”
The free event will run from 11am to 2pm and also feature music, craft activities and a community barbecue hosted by the men of the Bendigo Aboriginal Men’s Shed.
Everyone is warmly welcome to attend.