During this year's NAIDOC week, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) had the honour to be gifted a Wurun Manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) by the Traditional Owners of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne site, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Peoples.

The Wurun is a culturally significant tree, and its planting at the Melbourne Garden's site honours Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Ancestors and Elders past and present.

The ceremony and planting of the Wurun is an important step in commemorating both organisations' partnership and recently-signed Memorandum of Understanding. It signifies a commitment towards truth telling, reconciliation and healing Country from the impacts of colonisation.

This commitment was further marked on the day by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elders delivery of cultural training sessions to the RBGV Board and staff.

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1. Elders from Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC) and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) staff with the planted 'Wurun' Manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis).

2. Wurundjeri Elders Uncle Bill Nicholson, Uncle Andrew Gardiner and Aunty Alice Kolasa, with RBGV Board Chair Penny Fowler and Director and Chief Executive Chris Russell.

3. The plaque of the new Wurun Manna gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) tree.

4. Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Alice Kolasa creating space for the new planting with a ceremonial digging stick.

5. RBGV Aboriginal Learning Officer Jakobi makes preparations for the Smoking Ceremony.