Baldivis Grove: Where Noongar Heritage Survives the Bulldozers
By Wade McColl (01/10/2025)
One of many tagged trees at the Baldivis Grove Aboriginal heritage site. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2025.
Beneath the new streets and housing blocks of Baldivis Grove lies something truly rare, a protected Aboriginal heritage site, home to ancient Modified Trees carved by the Whadjuk Noongar people. These trees, once shaped into everyday tools like Yandi (carrying vessels) and Womra (shields), now stand as living markers of history, safeguarded under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.
Wade McColl, Baldivis Times Founder and Director standing within the Baldivis Grove Aboriginal heritage site, pointing up towards the tuart trees above/behind him. Photo by Myah Loo, Baldivis Times 2025.
Standing among them, we were honestly star-struck. Each tree is stamped and documented, each one telling a story that connects us directly to the deep history beneath our feet. This isn’t just bushland, it’s living heritage.
One of many tagged trees at the Baldivis Grove Aboriginal heritage site. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2025.
And yet, unless you dig into government heritage maps, you’d never know. There’s no signage, no information boards, no way for the community to appreciate what’s right here in our backyard.
Myah Loo, Baldivis Times Assistant Director placing their hand over one of the tagged trees at the Baldivis Grove Aboriginal heritage site. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2025.
Our hope is that when development here is finished, we can advocate for proper signage and education, so local families, especially the younger generation, can learn about the Whadjuk Noongar culture that shaped this place.
Two images featuring Black Cockatoo nesting boxes located at the Baldivis Grove site. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2025.
On top of that, the area also includes two Black Cockatoo nesting boxes, showing just how much environmental and cultural value sits quietly in this one small pocket of Baldivis.
One of many tagged trees at the Baldivis Grove Aboriginal heritage site. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2025.
If you’re a lover of history, culture, or nature, we recommend visiting (respectfully) and taking a moment to appreciate this incredible piece of living heritage.
This is the kind of hidden story that makes us proud to run Baldivis Times, bringing to light the history and biodiversity that usually gets buried under development.