Bega Shire's Hidden Heritage The fascinating history, the incredibly rich heritage of the Bega Valley Shire is illustrated in an engaging array of objects that are scattered throughout the region. Most are readily accessible. Each has an intriguing story (or stories!) associated with it. 101 objects have been selected to represent the Bega Shire’s diverse and valuable Hidden Heritage. This booklet provides introductory information about each of these 101 objects. As you’ll discover, comprehensive information about each object is available 24/7 in a free on-line ‘library’…and we welcome any additional information that can be added to these ‘libraries’ (simply email your contribution to
[email protected]). A ‘Bega Shire’s Hidden Heritage’ App is also available. It’s FREE from the App store and from Google Play. Further details about this Bega Shire’s 101 Hidden Heritage Objects project can be found at www.bit.ly/101objectsindex This project is assisted by the NSW Government through the Heritage Near Me program. Bega Shire’s Hidden Heritage Our History in 101 Objects 1 ‘Outdoors’ Three Mountains — Balawan, Gulaga and Biamanga Above, from the top: Balawan, Gulaga, Biamanga There are three particularly distinctive mountains in the area – Gulaga (Mt Dromedary, the first mountain in Australia named by Captain James Cook in 1770), Biamanga (Mumbulla Mountain), and Balawan (Mt Imlay). All are of special significance to local Aboriginal clans. Ancient Dreaming Trails connect these three mountains which played important roles in local Aboriginal ceremonies of initiation, in storytelling, and in their teachings about the land. Formal recognition of this significance was given in 2007 with the appointment of Boards of Management, elected by the traditional Aboriginal owners of the areas, to work with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to jointly manage both Gulaga and Biamanga National Parks.