A flock of cockatoos cawed overhead, as the fresh spring breeze rustled the gum's leaves.

I touched the tree and closed my eyes to allow myself to fully sense the rough and uneven textures, beginning at the very edge of the great gum. I gradually brushed my fingers closer to the centre as my fingers took a pronounced dip. The bark had now thinned and was slightly smoother. I opened my eyes, viewing the dark grey edges in contrast to the light and almost youthful appearance of the bark my hand now rested upon. I take a step back to take in the scope of the tree as a whole. The indented area I had just touched spanned for about a metre vertically, an elongated oval. Is this a scar tree? And if so, what was the bark used for? And when? these questions, whil invigorating that day with a sense of excitement, reminded me that the history of this land can only be taught by the traditional custodians, the Aboriginal people.

With the river and an assortment of creeks surrounding bushland, many of these scars—as mentioned by the Koorie Heritage Trust guide—could represent bark used for canoes and hunting tools. That day, I unfortunately did not have a local Indigenous guide to provide me with the insights necessary to determine the history of those trees. I was made acutely aware of how fortunate we were that day in the Birrarung area surrounding the MCG, to have a guide to share with us the history and details of each tree.

The key to the MCG scar tree’s survival in a densely populated and developed environment, is its relationship with the Aboriginal community and their passion to protect the heritage and culture. Deliberate actions by the community and decision makers have become necessary for its protection.

While I have obviously been in the dark on the threat of demolition, I am glad many others have taken up the torch, clear from the hundreds that lined State Parliament steps to protest. The Djab Wurrung trees are representative of the greater conversation surrounding treaty between the Victorian Government and the Aboriginal community and what it truly means to acknowledge and respect the values of Aboriginal culture.

The ringing of the cafe’s service bell shakes me from my thoughts and I am faced yet again with the article's fervent protesters. The steam from the coffee in front of me has long dissipated and my table neighbours have disappeared, leaving behind empty plates and stained napkins.

I sit here thinking about what I can do to help. I am someone who was potentially surrounded by these trees my whole life without ever knowing, until one day the Koorie Heritage Trust completely changed my perspective and awareness. I've become aware of how important communication and education is during these discussions of cultural heritage and significance. Without it, scars go unseen and maybe even ignored.

I begin to make a move from the table, as the waitress approaches to take my cup. I look back down once more at the newspaper with its headline "No Trees, No Treaty" and I’m inspired to take action, no matter how small my voice. I take the paper with me. Today, with my classmates, parents, sisters and friends, I'm going to talk about scar trees.