In a significant proposal, Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece advocates for recognising six distinct seasons in response to the city’s unique climatic conditions, aligning with Wurundjeri cultural perspectives. Traditionally defined by four seasons, Reece contends that Melbourne’s weather does not accurately reflect this European perspective but mirrors the Wurundjeri calendar which incorporates a ‘wet summer’ and ‘dry summer’, along with ‘wet winter’ and ‘dry winter’.
He elaborated on this perspective during the Melbourne 2050 Summit, which engaged nearly 1,000 participants in discussions about the city’s future. By proposing a seasonal system derived from Indigenous peoples who have inhabited the area for millennia, Reece argues that this approach is not only reasonable but also necessary. “When you think about it, it makes sense,” he remarked, pointing out that current seasonal definitions fail to capture the actual weather patterns experienced throughout the year.
Reece drew parallels with Singapore, whose seasonality is dictated more by distinct weather phenomena, such as monsoons, rather than the conventional four-season framework. He emphasised that evaluating the local climate reveals a closer alignment with the proposed six seasons than the European model.
Under the Wurundjeri system, the seasons include a dry season spanning January and February, followed by eel season in March, wombat season from April to July, orchid season in August, tadpole season from September to October, grass flowering season in November, and concluding with kangaroo-apple season in December. This classification is based on various ecological factors encompassing local flora, fauna, and climatic variations.
Reece encourages public consideration of the proposition, urging citizens not to dismiss it outright but to recognise its potential merits. His calls for a seasonal overhaul reflect a growing understanding of the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into contemporary environmental management and recognition of the unique climatic dimensions of Melbourne.