Puckapunyal bids farewell

By Bianca Hall

Dec 12, 2022

Well wishes: Aunty Joanne, of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, leads the ceremony.

As the end of the year approaches, a farewell smoking ceremony and yarning circle has been held at Puckapunyal.

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The circle was held to farewell soldiers, defence civilians and contractors who are leaving the area at the end of the year.

The ceremony on November 28 was attended by members of the Army School of Transport, Headquarters Combined Arms Training Centre, School of Armour, the Army Knowledge Centre, State Estate Group’s base management team and Ventia.

It was led by local elder Aunty Joanne, of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council, to offer protection and health in their travels to those who participated.

The Taungurung people are the custodians of the land where Puckapunyal is located.

Puckapunyal’s formation Indigenous liaison officer, Major Peta Langbehn, said the base was grateful for the Taungurung people’s support and the positive mutual relationship that had developed.