Artwork by Eddie Longford at the entrance to Rabaul Lane.
This NAIDOC Week (7-14 July), the City Renewal Authority celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
We acknowledge the significance of NAIDOC Week's 2024 theme, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud,’ which symbolises the enduring strength and vitality of First Nations cultures.
The Authority is committed to integrating First Nations perspectives and stories into the fabric of our City Centre. This is crucial in creating truly inclusive and engaging spaces that reflect our shared history.
A prime example of how we are integrating First Nations perspectives into the landscape is Ngamawari, the new 30,000sqm park coming to the Acton Waterfront. Ngamawari goes beyond being just a beautiful park; it will be a powerful symbol of Canberra's Ngunnawal heritage.
The park will feature stunning native gardens and artworks designed by local Ngunnawal artists. These artworks will not only enhance the park but also share Ngunnawal culture with future generations.
Ngamawari further exemplifies this vision by utilising Ngunnawal soil from the developing suburb of Whitlam. This ensures the park's very foundation is Ngunnawal land, fostering a deep connection to Country.
A 2023 workshop featuring local Ngunnawal artists has helped develop early concepts for public art to be installed at Ngamawari.
Our City Centre is already home to beautiful public artworks by First Nations creatives. These contributions enrich our spaces and ‘keep the fire burning’ when it comes to cultural expression.
These artworks bring cultural stories to life, sparking curiosity and understanding of Ngunnawal traditions. Artists like Lynnice "Letty" Church (image below), Eddie Longford, and Yarrudhamarra Creations have all contributed unique perspectives to the City Centre.
The Authority’s work is supporting and encouraging such public art projects that instil Ngunnawal culture in the tapestry of our City Centre, fostering a sense of place and connection to history.
The mural artwork Mura (Pathways) by local Ngunnawal artist Lynnice ‘Letty’ Church was featured in Garema Place in 2024.
Our team is committed to creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for all Canberrans and recognising First Nations cultures is fundamental to this goal.
By actively collaborating with First Nations communities and incorporating their knowledge into our design process, we can create places that not only celebrate our shared history and reflect Canberra's diverse cultures but also foster a deep sense of place.
This collaborative approach ensures our streetscapes are not just best-practice in terms of walkability, green space, and connectivity, but also culturally rich and meaningful for all Canberrans.
Renewing the City Centre also offers a significant opportunity to raise the visibility of local First Nations cultures and support progress towards reconciliation.
Ngunnawal Elder Dr Caroline Hughes AM hosting the naming ceremony for Ngamawari, the Ngunnawal-themed park that will exemplify how First Nations community members can shape urban design.
Visit the NAIDOC Week website for more information on this year’s celebration.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
