Mr. Djab Mara, who has been one of the protest leaders along with his wife, Amanda Mahomet, since being called by elders 14 months ago, said he had welcomed thousands of people who wanted to learn more about Djab Wurrung culture.

“We have brothers and sisters that come here and stay for long periods of time,” he said. It makes them ache, he said, to go back to their traditional lands. His mother, who was taken away from her family during an era of forced assimilation, has been among the visitors.

For now, ceremonial fires are kept burning at the camps, with Aboriginal protesters, their non-Indigenous allies and environmental activists discussing strategy in low voices and vowing not to back down. They have appealed the environment minister’s decision in federal court.

In the broader community, however, many people say it is time for the protesters to move on. The local council representing the area where the highway is situated has welcomed the planned upgrade, with some residents saying the delays have been frustrating.

“The majority of the community want this road to go ahead. The path of least damage has been chosen, and we just need to get on with it,” said Kevin Erwin, chairman of the Western Highway Action Community.

Pauline Roberts, 75, a longtime resident of Ararat, a nearby town, said the protesters should not get special treatment. “If I went and put my caravan there on the side of the road, I’d be moved on,” she said.