Respect, relationships and the journey to Reconciliation – a yarn with tour operator Double Black Alpine.
December 10, 2025
Building strong relationships is essential to working respectfully with Taungurung People and progressing meaningful Reconciliation Action Plans. These relationships rely on listening, learning and contributing in ways that build trust, reciprocity and long-term positive outcomes for First Nations’ communities.
wawa biik is proud to align with local tourism businesses on Taungurung Country that share Taungurung values. These businesses understand the First Nations history and Culture of the places where they operate. They advocate with wawa biik for positive outcomes for Taungurung People and Taungurung Country.
Double Black Alpine is one such business. Founders Sarah and Eddie completed the wawa biik Partnership Program in 2023. They have since invested in further wawa biik cultural experiences to deepen their learning and promote wawa biik to their networks. Sarah reflects on their connection to Taungurung Country and their commitment to engaging, learning and supporting wawa biik’s cultural tourism goals.
Please share your business story and tell us about the areas of Country that you operate.
Double Black Alpine (DBA) was founded in 2019 as a small owner-operated tourism business located in Victoria’s High Country. The creation of our business was sparked by a love of the region, not only for its natural beauty, but also the people and places that make the area unique. Part of our vision for DBA was to embody inclusive and sustainable tourism, through offering seamless, and locally grounded experiences that connect visitors to the people, places, and spirit of Victoria’s High Country. DBA now operates transfers and tours year-round, connecting visitors to Mansfield, Mt Buller and Murrundindi regions on Taungurung Country.
What was your knowledge of Taungurung Culture and cultural heritage before doing the partnership program and wawa biik experience?
Before the wawa biik partnership program and wawa biik experience, my understanding of First nations culture came mainly from previous cultural safety and awareness training, and visits to cultural centres. Working in tourism has since given me more opportunities to connect with Country and learn directly from wawa biik guides. It’s helped me deepen my appreciation for the cultural stories and significance of the places where we live and work.
What are some key insights that you’ve gained from participating in our wawa biik experience – both from a personal and business perspective?
wawa biik experiences have enabled me to be immersed in Taungurung culture on Country. Seeing, touching and experiencing scar trees on the recent tour was enlightening, informative and created space and time to connect with the trees and what they represent, culturally.
What’s one thing that’s stuck with you the most from your time on Country with our wawa biik guides?
Spending time on Country with wawa biik guides offers a meaningful opportunity to listen, reflect, and deepen understanding of the cultural significance of the landscape. wawa biik guides create a welcoming space that encourages curiosity and open conversation—inviting questions and insights that foster genuine learning.
What’s the next step in your cultural learning journey?
In continuing our commitment to express gratitude for the land on which our business operates, DBA will begin developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Our aim is to create meaningful change within our business and to positively influence the other partners and communities we work with. This marks another step in our journey walking together with Taungurung.
If you are a business on Taungurung Country that would like to develop stronger cultural competency and work towards meaningful allyship, please reach out to us for a yarn: hello@wawabiik.com.au