A NEGLECTED waterhole in the centre of Bermagui was given a new lease on life as it was declared a significant Aboriginal place last Wednesday.
The 1052 square metre site surrounded by developments has been gazetted as an Aboriginal place under the National Parks and Wildlife Act.
THE Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC), the Merrimans Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC) and the Wallaga Lake Aboriginal community invited the public to join in the celebration.
All the pupils of Bermagui Public School were present for the ceremony, joining elders to plant trees symbolising the area's rejuvenation as well as inspiring their own connection to the land's preservation and growth.
To mark the cultural significance of the day an Aboriginal dance ceremony was performed by Mervin Naylor, Warren Foster and Warren Foster jnr.
Talking about the site's importance, manager of the department's Southern Aboriginal Heritage Operations Branch, Paul House, said the area is of strong historical and present day value to indigenous people.
"There is clear archaeological and historical evidence that Aboriginal people were using the site as a source of fresh water when camping in the vicinity well before the arrival of Europeans.
"The site is also regarded as 'sacred' and significant as a contact area used by elders of the Yuin Nation.
"Today is an opportunity for a lot of people to revisit Bermagui Waterhole as a recognised Aboriginal Place and to consider its past history and association with Aboriginal people through many, many years.
"This is also a special time for the local community to come together in the spirit of reconciliation as we celebrate the unique heritage of this area," Mr House said.
"The declaration of an Aboriginal Place formally recognises the need for legislative protection under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 to prevent any diminishing of the richness and vitality of the cultural associations that link past, present and future generations to the area.
"The declaration of the Bermagui Waterhole Aboriginal Place acknowledges all these values.
"DECC is honoured to have played a part in the protection of such an important cultural, spiritual and historical site," Mr House said.