Victorian ski resort, Mount Hotham, officially welcomed senior Gunai elder Sandra Patten for a special Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony to name its Bunderool carpet last Friday.
“I have never performed a Smoking Ceremony on the snow before,” said Sandra. “I’m very privileged and am mesmerised by the mountains, I feel home. As the smoke drifts over the area, it will keep it safe and welcome people to this land.”
A ribbon cutting launched the carpet and Senior Mountain Operations Manager Luke Rickards and Sandra rode the new conveyor-carpet after the ceremony. Thanks to a 20cm snow storm on the weekend, the carpet is now operational and open to the public as of today.
Bunderool Carpet is Hotham’s latest conveyor-carpet and part of an ongoing commitment to improve the experience for beginners on the mountain.
“We’re excited to open both Bunderool Carpet at Hotham Central and Cobungra Platter Carpet at Dinner Plain today for our school holiday families and beginners,” said Tina Burford, Vice President and General Manager of Hotham.
“The naming of Bunderool is also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to our Be Inclusive value – both with the naming of the carpet and with welcoming beginners to the sport,” said Ms Burford.