New interpretive signs have been installed around the Port Adelaide and Lefevre Peninsula areas in South Australia.
The signs are part of the Mudlangga to Yertabulti Track, which tells the stories of Aboriginal people who have lived in or had a strong association with the area for many years.
15 people were interviewed, each with different memories and have been quoted ‘as they were told’ in signage, a brochure and on a website.
The information does not attempt to provide a complete picture of Aboriginal life, history and culture, but is the authentic experience of much-respected members of the community.
There are a total of 24 sites on the track, all of which have a QR code which links directly to the website www.portenf.sa.gov.au/M2Y
Four special nodes along the track feature more significant installations.
The first of these is at Glanville Hall, which was formerly St Francis’
Boys Home.
With support from the Anglican Board of Missions, a memorial has been constructed, commemorating the boys who were resident.
The website features a story by Vincent Copley, one of the former residents.
At While Hollow, a special seat has been erected, with a plaque bearing words from a 2007 theatrical production that took place in the area.
The plaque reads ‘Kayuwangga: Place of Fresh Water. This is Kaurna land. It’s a people place. Second to none this place’.
Related artworks are also to be installed at Harts’ Mill in conjunction with Renewal SA, and Meyer Oval with Defence Housing.
The learning to be gained by following these stories is relevant to us all.
A sign at Taperoo quotes Pat Waria-Read:
“I think the reason we accepted those white men when they first arrived, was because we believed them to be ghosts.
“We thought that the white people were the ghost of our ancestors, so we didn’t attack them or throw a spear through them.
“We mostly thought that pale people were our ancestors coming back.”
Council is confident that the track will be enjoyed by locals, tourists and school groups to further the understanding of the local Aboriginal community and will help ensure that the Aboriginal heritage, culture and history of Aboriginal people on the Peninsula is not marginalised or forgotten.
