Gumbramorra Re-creation

The Gumbramorra re-creation returns part of Marrickville’s lost wetland landscape and create a thriving ecological space that will offer the community a renewed natural landscape, historical connection and a culturally significant future-proof place. The project will expand the existing raingarden into a fully functioning multi-pond wetland system with open water, marsh areas, seasonal flood zones and terrestrial plantings.

The new wetland:

• Mitigates flooding on the Mackey Park sports fields
• Provides habitat for birds, frogs, turtles and other wildlife
• Honours the cultural and environmental significance of Gumbramorra for local Aboriginal Peoples
• Offers the community a unique space to explore, learn and connect with nature

A raised walkway, the Reconciliation Walk, takes visitors through the wetland, with viewing points and interpretive features to share the story of Gumbramorra and its importance to the Gadigal and Wangal.

Before colonisation, Marrickville and Sydenham were part of the vast Gumbramorra system – a seasonal wetland that grew and shrank with tides and rainfall. It was a biodiversity hotspot, home to countless species and a vital source of food, medicine and cultural practice for local Aboriginal peoples.

Following colonisation, European settlers drained and industrialised the swamp, dismissing its ecological and cultural importance. Drainage infrastructure was built to pump water out of Gumbramorra, and the land was eventually industrialised. Despite these attempts to dry out a historic wetland, frequent flooding has remained a challenge for the local community. The loss of Gumbramorra came at immense environmental and cultural cost, and proved to be a gross mismanagement of land, causing many ongoing problems.

Re-creating a small part of Gumbramorra will help restore balance by providing a natural method of drainage, bringing back wildlife, and reconnecting the community with a unique part of the Inner West’s natural history.

• A restored wetland with open water, reeds, sedges, shrubs and native trees
• Seasonal zones that mimic the natural flood-and-recede cycle of the original swamp
• Habitat features such as logs, rocks and grasses to support diverse wildlife
• Reconciliation Walk, a raised boardwalk and viewing platform with space for reflection
• Artworks and education elements to share stories of Gumbramorra's past and present

• Reduce flooding and erosion in Mackey Park
• Improve biodiversity and habitat for native species
• Restore a part of the Inner West's natural and cultural landscape
• Create a space for community connection and learning
• Recognise the ancient significance of Gumbramorra to the Gadigal and Wangal and surrounding clans