Aboriginal Nature and Bioscience Park underway at CSU Orange
Work has begun on the Aboriginal Nature and Bioscience Park (ANBP) at Charles Sturt
University (CSU) in Orange.
The ANBP is a collaboration of the university and Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council to
rejuvenate a remnant area of original vegetation at Orange campus for educational, research
and recreational purposes.
ANBP project manager Dr Cesidio Parissi believes the park will not only provide
opportunities for the future but also preserve the knowledge of the past.
"As part of the process to rejuvenate the land we are working with local Aboriginal Elders to
discover the original use of the land, the flora and fauna that was here and also explore new
species that could thrive in the area," Dr Parissi said.
"Due to this campus' history as an agricultural college much of the land has been cleared for
teaching and research purposes. This project will restore the remaining area of original
vegetation and create a communal space that will allow education, research, recreation and
culture to intertwine."
The park will feature a yarning circle, pathways, environmentally sustainable lighting and
signage to encourage use by students, staff and the local community.
"The park will provide medicinal and horticultural research facilities, teaching space and
space for people to connect with their environment. We hope the park will also strengthen the
connection between Charles Sturt University, the township of Orange and local Aboriginal
communities while also allowing Aboriginal students greater connection to their campus," Dr
Parissi said.
A traditional patchwork burn was conducted in April to rid the area of weeds and trigger
growth of original understorey species held in the soil seed bank. Work on the yarning circle
and paths is now underway.
"Fire is a very natural process in Australia and natural fire cycles exist to rejuvenate the bush
by breaking open new seeds and triggering regrowth," Dr Parissi said. “We will work with
the Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council to introduce other species and establish the park."
Preparations for the burn revealed three scarred trees which are significant Aboriginal
cultural artefacts and an uninterrupted view of Mount Canobolas, a sacred site.
The ANBP is funded by a sustainability grant from CSU Green.
Photo: Work commenced on the Aboriginal Nature and Bioscience Park with a traditional
patchwork burn