Schuler Shook acknowledges in our communications the many clans of Wurundjeri Woiwurrung People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we collaborate. We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the first storytellers, artists, and astronomers. We respect their deep connection to land, water, and sky, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Schuler Shook Melbourne Takes Part in Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training
Firm News – Nov 2025
Last month our Melbourne office embarked on an Indigenous cultural walk and “yarn”, led by Joe Costello. It was a great privilege to hear from Joe, who very generously shared his historical and ecological knowledge and personal anecdotes.
Our participating in this exchange of knowledge and culture is part of how we affirm the value we place in our Indigenous community. It was fantastic to learn more about the rich Indigenous culture which thrived for over 60,000 years before colonisation.
The team gathered at the ancestral stones along the Birrarung (river).
The Birrarung historically featured a lot more twists and bends, however, white settlers straightened out the canal to make room for larger ships.
Our guide, Joe Costello, indicates a scar tree located at the outskirts of the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
River gum trees were used to make rafts, tools, and weapons. The tree was not harmed by this process, echoing the theme of living in harmony with the land and only taking what was needed. Scar trees can typically be found near waterways, suggesting that the Birrarung once ran much closer to the site where the MCG is located today. Only half of the scar on the pictured tree is visible as it has since been buried with dirt.
The team was lucky to visit the learning centre which featured some hand-carved tools, bowls, weapons, shields, pigments, and even a possum-skin Marngrook football.
If you have heard the phrase “Melbourne has four seasons in one day,” then you may not be too surprised to know that the Wurundjeri people had 7 seasons. However, unlike the western concept of the seasons, the Wurundjeri seasons are not divided into strict time periods based on the calendar. Instead, indicators came from the land and fauna. The seasons were known to overlap, meaning 2 or even 3 seasons could be occurring at once.
A map showing that, at the time of colonisation, there were approximately 250 distinct Indigenous languages in Australia.
Continuing Education Literature
We are committed to continuing our learning journey and deepening our understanding of Indigenous cultures. Experiences like this remind us of the importance of listening, reflecting, and designing with respect and intention.
Written by Tomas Gerasimidis