Since taking ownership of Tona three
years ago the property's owner Russell Elliott (or 'Russ' as he
is more affectionately known) has embarked on a full-scale project
of environmental reparation.
Through partnerships with the National
Centre for Sustainability at the Sunraysia Institute of TAFE (NCS),
The Barkindji People, RIRDC and The Barkindji Biosphere Russell
hopes to return Tona to its pre-European settled state.
Tona is also proud to be associated
with the Barkindji People, the property's original custodians.
A sub-group of Barkindji, the Maroura
Tribe called Tona home for many thousands of years.
Despite Tona's comparatively small
size the Maroura's link with the property is evidenced through scar
trees, fire pits, stone tools and a burial site. Projects are currently
underway to protect this valuable cultural heritage, and ultimately
by means of a training program pass it on to future generations.
We are pleased and honoured to be in
direct consultation with local Barkindji elders regarding the future
direction of the Tona project.
Tona is also associated with The
Barkindji Biosphere Reserve.
