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Nora Handasyde
When I was a small child, we lived in Croydon. At that time, in the early 1960's it was an outer, outer suburb.
My brother and I both had some health problems which required specialist treatment, and all the specialist doctors had their rooms in Collins street, in the city. As a result, we spent a lot of time on the train.
I can remember Mum telling us the story of how the Yarra was formed, she would tell us as we crossed the Yarra near the city. (Probably we were bored and restless by then, it was nearly an hour into the journey).
According to a Dream Time story, a great warrior was wounded in a battle. He had to walk home to his tribe, but because he was wounded in the leg, he dragged his foot as he walked along. When the rain came, the channel in the earth formed by his dragging foot filled with water, and the Yarra river was formed.
My other memories of the Yarra include the swinging bridges, I believe there is one near Abbotsford, I went there with my Gran when I was young. The one at Warburton I have visited many times.
Another memorable Yarra moment was hiring a row boat with a friend from the boathouse at Studley Park. We were only about 16. Going downstream was OK, but rowing against the current was a real challenge. By the time we got back to the mooring area we were exhausted, but had to still fight the current to get the boat tied up at the bank. Never did that again.
My favourite views of the Yarra now are the clear waters near Warburton, and when I think of the Yarra I think of gum trees.
In my block I have used real gum leaves; as they age and brown, they will represent the way the Yarra "ages" and browns as it flows towards the sea.
Nora Handasyde
Please go to the January 2006 summary to see a bigger version of this picture and links to other pieces in this set.
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