 The rivers played a leading role in the lifestyle of the Aboriginal people , acting as a source of food and a means of communication and trade . Murray cod and shellfish were gathered for food and bark canoes were used for travel along the rivers . Scars on many trees alongside the rivers are evidence of this extensive use of canoes . In the summer it is likely that the Bangerang and Wiradjuri joined the Monaro groups in the Bogong moth feasts in the alpine country to the east . 
