Local Government
Denmark
Region
Great Southern
Denmark River Denmark
DIA Stie Number: 22081
Kwoorabup Beela
Denmark
Great Southern
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - Does not warrant assessment | Current | 21 Jan 2025 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 28 Jun 2011 | Exceptional Significance | |
The Denmark River or the Kwoorabup site is assessed as a locally and regionally significant Aboriginal site with different levels of cultural, environmental and historical association. The cultural significance of the River is due largely to its totemic significance (e.g. Kwoor Borongur) and creation by the Waugal in the Dreaming. As well as this ethnographic and religious value, there is archaeological and historical evidence of prior occupation and ceremonial use of the general area near the River bend near what is now the bridge crossing the River. The Denmark River is part of a broader cultural landscape which includes individual sites within the 30m foreshore such as the shell midden and ceremonial area at the River bend, along with various elements of the natural environment that were, and still are, used by Noongar people for dietary, medicinal and economic purposes. For these and other reasons the Denmark River has sacred, ritual and ceremonial associations and is therefore of special significance to Noongar people. Consistent with previous site reports, the Denmark River, including the 30m buffer zone along the River course, are assessed as culturally significant under Section 5(a) and 5(c) of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. All elements of the Denmark River’s ecology and cultural fabric are significant to local Noongar Elders and site custodians, however the area around the River bend adjacent to the shell midden site (Site No.18947) is particularly important as it demonstrates prior occupation of the area and use of its resources by Aboriginal people. (Excerpt from Townley, 2009).
The Denmark River originates from a number of tributaries north of Denmark in the Shire of Plantagenet and flows through the town of Denmark into the Wilson Inlet
The Denmark River lies in the Pibbulman cultural area which is part of the wider Noongar country region, although the area west of Hay River is typically an area of overlap where, prior to Eureopean settlement, both Pibbulmun and Minang groups met regularly for ceremonial and economic purposes. As such, Noongar Elders now consider it important to consult representatives from both groups on heritage matters.
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Mitchell; "Wilson Inlet Cultural Management Plan". Unpublished report | 2008 | ||
| G Townley;"The Kwoorabup Walk Trail Cultural Heritage Management Plan". Unpublished report | 2009 |
Landscape
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.