Background

Background

The 19 kilometre trail between Timboon and Port Campbell (commonly referred to as the Twelve Apostles Trail) was completed in December 2023. 

Initial discussions around formally naming the trail in 2022 presented an opportunity to involve Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC). Council worked with Keerray Wooroong language expert Dr Vicki Couzens to provide a name. 

Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng meaning travel through Country in Keerray Wooroong language was proposed by Vicki and overwhelmingly supported by EMAC as the name for the trail in early 2024. Corangamite Shire Council also sees this name as a meaningful opportunity to re-establish the Keerray Wooroong language into the local landscape. 

The rationale being that the trail traverses across differing places, forms, landscapes, shapes and environments. These are places of differing activities, both now (post-European) and then (pre-European). Poorpa Yanyeen Meerreeng is an invitation to travel through Country and connect with a culture and language that spans many thousands of years around Port Campbell and Timboon. It will spark conversations around our shared history and connection to place.