Finding purpose on Country: why the value of wawa biik extends beyond the tours.

June 24, 2025

In today’s world of work, purpose should no longer be just a buzzword — it should be a guiding principle.

At wawa biik, our purpose is to nurture an inspired and connected community of First Peoples and allies that take pride in their shared custodianship of Taungurung Culture and Country. In this era of the ‘Great Reflection’ where people are keen to align their personal values with their work and contribute to society in meaningful ways, we believe a wawa biik private experience with your colleagues can provide value that extends beyond the tour. Here’s how:

1. Align purpose with action.

Joining a wawa biik cultural tour is more than an educational experience — it’s a meaningful act of alignment to your organisational purpose and values. When your team steps onto Taungurung Country, they’re not only learning about Culture — they’re contributing to a journey of deeper impact. Each experience creates two-way value: supporting the long-term aspirations of the Taungurung Nation while offering your employees a chance to reflect, connect and grow. In a post-COVID world where we’ve moved from the Great Resignation to the Great Reflection, these kinds of authentic, values-led experiences have never been more relevant.

2. Build Stronger Relationships with the Taungurung Land and Waters Council

We understand that building meaningful connections with Traditional Owner organisations can be difficult without a shared project or purpose. Often, engagement is limited to formalities, leaving little room for trust or personal connection. wawa biik changes that. We invite you to slow down, share stories, ask questions, and genuinely connect with Taungurung People on Country. Whether walking, yarning, cruising, or simply sharing a cuppa, these moments help form the foundation of deeper working relationships that make future collaboration smoother, more respectful, and more impactful.

3. Boost staff morale and strengthen teams

Team-building activities can be hit or miss — but wawa biik offers something truly different. Our experiences tap into a universal human need: connection. Through shared time on Country, thoughtful reflection, and group yarning, teams build humility, empathy, and respect. It’s not just about learning; it’s about growing together. The result? Stronger morale, deeper team bonds, and a renewed sense of shared purpose.

4. Learn in a way that lasts

Cultural learning doesn’t belong in a boardroom. On-Country experiences engage people cognitively, emotionally, and physically in ways that indoor or online learning simply can’t. Our tours are designed around learning through doing, supported by reflection and cultural guidance. That’s why guests consistently tell us that their experience with wawa biik was not only informative — it was unforgettable.

5. Understand how to build partnerships with Traditional Owners

True partnership is about more than ticking a box — it’s about walking together with shared goals, respect, and reciprocity. Our collaborations with Tahbilk Winery and Euroa Arboretum demonstrate what this can look like in action. On our tours, you'll hear first-hand how we've built values-aligned partnerships that support shared outcomes. You'll gain valuable insights that will inspire new partnerships for your organisation.

Ready to walk with us?

wawa biik offers your organisation an opportunity to step away from the everyday and engage with First Peoples culture in a way that is genuine, grounding, and deeply meaningful. It’s an invitation to learn, connect, and contribute — not only to the wellbeing of your team, but to the strength and future of Taungurung Country and Culture. Whether you’re looking to build better relationships, boost team morale, or align your actions with your values — the journey starts on Taungurung Country. Reach out to the wawa biik team to book your private wawa biik experience: hello@wawabiik.com.au

Sadly, Uncle Shane leaves wawa biik this week. 

Uncle Shane has played an integral role in shaping wawa biik through his deep knowledge of Culture and Country. He has led tours with guests and community members with generosity, wisdom and a good yarn every time. 

His leadership, passion and knowledge have been central to wawa biik’s success, with many visitors praising his guidance and cultural expertise. 

We honour his legacy, his commitment to the Taungurung Nation, and the impact he has made on everyone he has met. wawa biik has been only one part of his enormous contribution to the Taungurung Land and Waters Council during his 10-year tenure. 

Please join us farewelling Uncle Shane and wishing him all the best as he takes on another exciting opportunity to continue pursuing his passion for Country. 

#culturalelder #Taungurungbiik #culturaltourism #culturaleducation
Today marks the anniversary of Kevin Rudd’s 2008 National Apology. An acknowledgment of the deep harm caused by policies that tore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
 
This moment in history was meant to open a path toward truth, healing, and accountability. But remembrance also means facing the reality that many of the injustices still echo through our communities today.
 
Reflection alone isn’t enough. Real change demands commitment, action, and a willingness to confront the systems that continue to fail our people.
 
Today we honour the resilience and strength of survivors and families who continue to carry deep trauma caused by these policies.
Today we’re celebrating wawa biik’s 3rd birthday - three years since we launched on 8th February 2023.
 
Over the last three years wawa biik has achieved some truly deadly milestones:
 
• 332 guests in 2023.
• 550 guests in 2024.
• 729 guests in 2025.
 
That’s over 1,600 who have experienced Taungurung Country & Culture with wawa biik!
 
We’ve developed five unique cultural experiences and delivered them to more than 90 groups, including ANZ, Department of Transport and Planning, Monash University, Melbourne Water and many more.
 
Wawa Biik has proudly featured in the Melbourne Australian Visitors Guide, Mansfield Courier, Midland Express, Wangara News, Country House Hunters, Qantas Magazine, and Australian Travelers Magazine.
 
Beyond the numbers, wawa biik has continued to grow from strength to strength, sharing our deep knowledge of Taungurung Country, strengthening culture, and building true allyship across Victoria!
 
We’re only getting started. 2026 is going to be a huge year for wawa biik - so stay tuned!!
Today is World Wetlands Day. 

World Wetlands Day highlights the vital role wetlands play in sustaining ecosystems and biodiversity around the world. 

It’s a reminder of the need to protect and maintain these essential environments for future generations. 

To learn more about wetlands on Taungurung Country, book your spot today at our upcoming public Wawa Tahbilk Tahbilk tour today. 

To book click the link in our bio. 

Tahbilk Tahbilk (Place of many waterholes)
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