Before colonisation, the Dja Dja Wurrung, like all First Nations people, relied on the land to sustain them. Their range stretched across central and north central Victoria, much of which became known as the central goldfields. The goldrush destroyed much of the indigenous flora, with trees felled for building materials and heating, land cleared for farming, and creeks dammed or diverted to locate gold. Creswick is at the southern tip of Djaara, the country of the Dja Dja Wurrung.

Lake Calembeen, in the heart of Creswick, is a relic of the gold rush. Now a council parkland, lake, local swimming hole and bushland area, it was once a mining pit with the spoil being dumped alongside. Over time many introduced species took hold.

The Bald Hills-Creswick Landcare Group (BHCL) devised a plan to clear out the blackberries and create a forest of indigenous plants, including grasses for weaving, traditional plants for smoking ceremonies, and indigenous foods. With the support of Hepburn Shire Council, and consultation with the DJAARA traditional owners’ corporation, the plan was expanded to include a yarning circle – an area with the forest as the backdrop, and the waters of the lake below, for all people to enjoy.