New track, new name: Celebration of track in Campbells Creek
Published on 04 June 2025
Over the past 12 months, Mount Alexander Shire Council, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), and members of the Friends of Campbells Creek (FOCC) Landcare Group have been working on improvements to the Campbells Creek track.
The off-road track runs for 4.3 kilometres along Campbells Creek, from Campbells Creek Park to Camp Reserve in Castlemaine.
The improvements to the track significantly contribute to the shire’s outdoor spaces, increasing active transport and recreational opportunities.
We are celebrating the completion of works to improve the trail with the bestowing of a meaningful name to this welcome leisure amenity.
The proposed trail name is ‘Watjarang Baring’, meaning platypus track in Dja Dja Wurrung language.
The name ‘Watjarang Baring’ is phonetically pronounced WAD-jar-ung BAR-ing, and a video of the pronunciation is available at: https://shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/new-track-new-name.
Council has been working with its project partners on the proposed name, which will honour the work of community, while celebrating the diverse fauna of our landscape.
Mount Alexander Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Darren Fuzzard said the proposed name is deeply significant.
“The proposed name draws attention to the presence of platypus in the local area, which in itself is a fantastic thing. The presence of platypus in Campbells Creek is the result of concerted efforts by community members committed to improving habitat for this native animal.
“We’re lucky to live in a community that values our environment, and actively work towards protecting it for future generations.
“Watjarang Baring is a celebration of our community’s efforts in supporting conservation, and increasing biodiversity,” said Mr Fuzzard.
“The proposed name is also a meaningful step for Council and our community towards reconciliation.
“Language is one of the most significant aspects of the culture and heritage of any group,” he said.
“Choosing a name in partnership with our First Nations People, that reflects our shared history is not only symbolic, but also a practical action towards reconciliation. And that’s something Council is deeply committed to.”
Over the last 12 months, Council has been working with the Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group to undertake improvements to the trail.
Completed works include the construction of a 600-metre trail section made from gravel and concrete, two pedestrian bridges crossing Campbells Creek, and a small section of boardwalk.
Current works are being undertaken between the Princess Street bridge and the existing trail.
The formal naming of the trail to ‘Watjarang Baring’ is the final step in the improvement works, with an official launch and Platypus Picnic planned for Saturday 21 June, from 11.00am to 1.30pm, starting just north of the Princess Street, Campbells Creek.
The event is presented by the Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group, and will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the group, the platypus population in Campbells Creek, the opening of the newly finished trail, and more.
For event details, visit https://focc.org.au/event/platypus-picnic-25th-birthday-and-the-trail-opening/.
Miles Geldard, the President of the Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group said he was excited to see the long-term project to complete the trail come to fruition.
“Friends of Campbells Creek Landcare Group is thrilled to work with Council, DEECA and DJAARA on the completion of the walking trail beside Campbells Creek”, said Mr Geldard.
“This marks a 24-year journey since the Friends group proposed a walking trail to Council.
“Many people have mentioned to me that the new section of trail is a wonderful tribute to the collaboration between the Friends group and Council.
“So, a fitting name for such a terrific trail is needed and one that reflects the natural habitat and amazing species that live there.
“As such, the Friends of Campbells Creek support the choice of the Dja Dja Wurrung name ‘Watjarang Baring’ (Platypus Track).
There are strict protocols in place for the proposed naming of roads, localities and landscape features in Victoria.
All name submissions must comply with naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities – 2022.
Council has received in-principle support from DJAARA for the name to be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for approval.
In addition, Council is required to seek community feedback to demonstrate support for the naming proposal.
Community members are invited to find out more about the proposed name and provide feedback at https://shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/new-track-new-name.
Submissions can also be made in writing, addressed to PO Box 185, Castlemaine, VIC 3450 or by email to info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au before 3 July 2025.
Council officers will compile community feedback on the naming proposal into a report, which will be presented to Councillors for review and consideration at the September Council meeting.