In honour of his father Uncle Brien Nelson’s vision, Uncle Rick proudly announces the launch of his social enterprise, Uncle Rick’s Waaman Tours.
The launch party will take place at the Theatre Royal in Castlemaine on Sunday from 3pm to 6pm.
Waaman Tours, led by Uncle Rick, are held out on Country and offer an immersive experience into the rich history of Djaara Culture in the Castlemaine region.
Participants will have the opportunity to visit sites such as scar trees, rock wells and grinding grooves, alongside receiving a traditional Welcome to Country.
“Taking people on tours out on Country has been a long-held dream of mine, inspired by the vision of my father, Uncle Brien Nelson,” Uncle Rick said.
“Educating the wider community about the Dja Dja Wurrung history is important to me.
“When I was at school, we learnt that Captain Cook came and there were some Aboriginal people living here. We didn’t learn that three or four clans’ boundaries met at Leanganook (Mt Alexander) or that there were Koorie reserves at Lalgambook (Mt Franklin). Sharing this knowledge is part of the driving force behind the tours.”
The launch party at the Theatre Royal on April 28 will start with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and include some stories from the Waaman himself. There will be some live folk and blues music, as well as Uncle Rick’s personally curated playlist with his favourite hits from the ages to shake your 80s hair to.
“People have been really supportive,” Uncle Rick said.
“The Theatre Royal has donated the use of the space, the IGA has donated sausages for the free barbecue and we have some local musos who are donating their time.”
Limited edition merchandise including tees and hoodies will be available for purchase at the event.
There will also be a Nalderun information stall to learn about the impactful work this grassroots Aboriginal-led organisation is doing in the region.
Join Uncle Rick and the community for a free afternoon of celebration and cultural connection at the launch of Waaman Cultural Tours.
Bookings for upcoming tours can be made at waamantours.com.au
