from Diggin Diggies

It was after quite a bit of searching down the Far South Coast, looking for a piece of country to be near friends, when we got the call from the real estate agent – Julie Rutherford – telling us about a place in Dignams Creek. ‘Where?’ ‘Google it.’ ‘Oh, yes, that’s close to them. Let’s check it out.’

That was 13 years ago, and we are so glad we did. Why? Well, because the Far South Coast and, specifically, Dignams Creek are stunningly beautiful. Dignams Creek, on the southern edge of Gulaga Mountain, is not a village, not a town, not even a ‘locality’. But it is a community! With properties spread out over several kilometres, it consists of a road (Dignams Creek Road) that follows the southern edge of Dignams Creek – the actual creek – and crosses it before disappearing into the forests of Gulaga National Park and Kooraban National Park. It includes several properties that border Reedy Creek Road before the two creeks join near the Dignams Creek bridge. As a community, some people like to keep to themselves while others are actively involved in various groups including food sharing, working bees, land care, and sharing equipment. We have an AGM every year to talk about issues – such as Council maintenance of the road, or lack thereof. >>

‘Diggies’ is dominated by the magical Gulaga, sacred to the Yuin people of this area. It dominates our skyline to the east and her constant changes with the weather have an almost magnetic hold on those of us who live in her shadow. Or perhaps that should be, who live in her embrace!

On the western flank of Dignams Creek lies Kooraban National Park which is where most of the creek flows. Kilometres and kilometres of forest. Which is one (or two) of the reasons why we fell in love with the place: the trees. These national parks are all trees. Some areas were logged but there are many big old trees to stand beneath and wonder at their beauty. But one aspect that enthrals me about the trees is the phenomenal shades of green. As I look out across the valley towards the mountain it’s as if there are a million shades of green and they all move and shift with the journey of the sun or the movement of clouds. There is something very soothing about green and Dignams Creek is blessed with every shade imaginable.

William Zappa

Captions: (top) Dignams Creek, (above) Gulaga. Photos: William Zappa