Living Bung Yarnda was a community-led environmental stewardship program designed to care for Bung Yarnda (Lake Tyers) and its catchment. 

The aim of the project was to:

• Share the knowledge and passion the community of Lake Tyers has for this special place.

• Train community members in recognised methods of scientific monitoring and how this can be used.

• Provide a portal for sharing information, telling stories and showcasing artworks, soundscapes and images.

Through the project, we can all better understand the natural beauty and variability Lake Tyers, as well as advocate for its protection.

The project involved regular monitoring programs for a range of indicators including birds, fish, water quality, litter, vegetation and pest species. It also helped capture the lived experience of “place” – what is valued, what has changed, what are the community’s concerns.

The Living Bung Yarnda project followed a co-design model in partnership with local government agencies and community groups, including Lake Tyers Coast Action, Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, FLOAT artists community and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.