First Nations News

By Claudine Rudeforth - First Nations Officer

Ballarat's Inspiring Public Spaces

On 23 July, a small group of our students explored Ballarat's inspiring public spaces celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, art and history.

Highlights included visiting the North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park to see KUNUWARRA (Black Swan) by Wadawurrung artist Kait James, unveiled for NAIDOC Week. We were grateful to learn from Ballarat City Council's Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, Lenka Vanderboom, who shared the cultural significance of the sculpture and the surrounding gardens along with the meaning of Wadawurrung words such as ‘Ballaarat’ and ‘Wendouree’.

Students also visited the vibrant Hop Temple laneway umbrellas and the Intercultural Gardens' NAIDOC Week floral display beside the City Oval, celebrating the rich cultures that make up our community.

A wonderful afternoon of learning, connection and appreciation of First Nations cultures right here in Ballarat.