Watts Reserve, nestled in the historically renowned area of “Native Valley” within Brukunga, holds cultural importance for the Peramangk people, European settlers and was important in SA’s industrial history.
The entire reserve was heavily impacted in the 2019 Cudlee Creek Bushfire and in 4+ years since, community members and now the Brukunga Community Association have been actively lobbying for the rehabilitation of this bushfire-damaged area into a reflective and commemorative space that honors its rich indigenous and industrial heritage.
This includes building a secure, accessible path and creating a commemorative area in accordance with an agreement between the Brukunga Community Association and the Mount Barker District Council, contributing to broader revitalization efforts.
The project’s concept plan emphasizes revitalization, celebrating Peramangk heritage and the Watts family’s brick-making legacy, embodying resilience, and community spirit in the wake of bushfire devastation.
The Brukunga Community Association and the Watts Family are thrilled to finally announce that our joint project, “Conserving Natural Heritage, Enhancing Environmental Inclusion: Pathways to Connection & Healing within Watts Reserve, Brukunga,” is set to commence soon.
This initiative, aimed at rehabilitating the bushfire-damaged Watts Reserve into a reflective and commemorative space, has garnered significant support.
Our project focuses on creating a secure, accessible path and a commemorative area, honoring the cultural importance of the Peramangk people and the area’s European settlers and Brickworks history.
By revitalizing this historically significant site, we aim to promote ecological restoration, community engagement, and healing.
Project Overview:
- Location: Watts Reserve (corner Harrogate & Watts Rd, Brukunga SA 5252)
- Activities: Building pathways, creating commemorative spaces, ecological restoration
- Outcomes: Enhanced community well-being, ecological sustainability, cultural commemoration
To achieve our goals and expand our impact, we are seeking additional donations. Your contributions will support the ongoing efforts to transform Watts Reserve into a space that fosters connection, healing, and resilience.