Menang Noongar man Larry Blight shares story of culturally significant Yoorl Park right here in Albany

Menang Noongar man Larry Blight has shared insight into an ancient cultural site in his home city of Albany that holds a special place in his heart. Yoorl Park — yoorl means “paperbark” in Menang — is situated near Oyster Harbour in Lower King. In the early 2000s, excavations of an archaeological site near the park revealed the site to be about 12,500 years old. Archaeologists and local elders discovered that Yoorl Park had been a “young men’s camping ground”, Mr Blight said. He said the sites were particularly significant because their cultural and archaeological value could be appreciated by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. Links to the nearby Oyster Harbour Fish Traps highlighted the importance of protecting Yoorl Park by enhancing the reserve for community use, interpreting the heritage of the site and improving the ecology of the lake area. “The place has been restored to its natural beauty,” Mr Blight said. Mr Blight said at least 10,000 years ago, the park would have been used as a camping ground by young men. “(During excavations) lots of red ochre was found which is only used by men in this region,” he said “The young men were camping there away from the girls and other camps across the harbour.” After the redevelopment of Yoorl Park, Mr Blight said it was now a “pristine” environment with fresh water, peppermint trees and a small population of turtles. There is also a paperbark tree estimated to be hundreds of years old. “I can only imagine what it would have been like 12,000 years ago. It would have been a thriving place, absolutely beautiful,” he said. “It’s a sensational spot.” Mr Blight said it was important people knew the history and cultural value of Yoorl Park because “it’s not just Aboriginal history, it’s Australian culture”. “We have the oldest continuous living culture on earth,” he said. “Albany has got lots of these places that are quite old and not many locals know about these places. “Tourists know more about this place than a lot of locals do but then again we tend to look in other people’s backyards than our own.” With about 600 traditional artefacts in total located at the site, Mr Blight said there were plans for some objects to be displayed in the Museum of the Great Southern. Among the collection was a fireplace that was about 3500 years ago and a “cutting tool” made from stone an estimated 6000 years ago. “To hold that tool in my hand, that was last used around that time by a full-blooded Menang man, was incredible,” he said. Mr Blight said the dates were calculated using carbon dating through charcoal unearthed during the archaeological digs. He said the site would have been used in traditional ways in the late 1800s into early 1900s. Mr Blight is experienced at making traditional tools using natural products and techniques passed down from his ancestors. In 2012, Mr Blight said he rediscovered himself after making ancient tools. “For a few years I didn’t know who I was, but making the tools really started to point me back to where I should have been heading anyway,” he told the National Museum of Australia. “I was just lucky that an elder out there took their time to show me . . . It’s a very ancient art and just to keep it revived is a good thing.” Passionate about his ‘boodja’, he also has extensive knowledge of local bushfoods, medicines, fauna, local stories and traditions. Mr Blight runs Albany store Kurrah Mia with his mother Vernice Gillies and Noongar man Ron Grey. Kurrah Mia is a cultural arts store which supports local Indigenous artists and offers educational tours of the Albany region. Offering tours to school groups and “anybody who wants to listen”, Mr Blight has an infectious, inspiring passion for sharing his culture. “Menang have always been such a very open and welcoming people,” he said. “Our family groups from each region are very proud of our culture and how we’ve sustained ourselves over many years without impacting the land and adapting to changes in the environment.” “Our usage of plants and trees for medicine and amazing intimate knowledge that our forefathers passed on to us — it’s quite inspiring.”