Shellharbour City Council will this week begin construction of an innovative new Aboriginal Interpretive Play Space.

The play space is nestled in the native gardens at the rear of the Shellharbour Civic Centre, affectionately known as ‘the backyard’. A site blessing and cleansing ceremony was held late last month.

The play space follows the footsteps of local Aboriginal people and allows for a cultural journey from the escarpment to the sea.

The space will incorporate the inclusive design principals in NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines to enhance the sense of place and connection for people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds.

There will be multiple interactive elements including Burri Burri, a four-metre hand carved timber whale, a treehouse lookout, sandpit, climbing equipment, bush tucker plants and more.

The space will also have areas where the spoken words of the Dharawal language can be heard and signage to learn more about cultural ties.

Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer said the space was a wonderful opportunity to share local Aboriginal culture and incorporate natural features in Shellharbour.

“The Aboriginal Interpretive Playspace is an incredible new addition to our city,” Mayor Homer said.

“Council staff consulted with our local Aboriginal people and school students to develop this space and assist in the planning of this cultural feature.

”The end result will be something unique, beautiful, fun and educational. I look forward to learning more about the rich history of Dharawal country, the beautiful place in which we live,” he said.

Simpson Landscape and Consultants were awarded the contract to build the play space.

For more information: https://letschatshellharbour.com/aboriginal-interpretive-play-space 

Media enquiries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008