Shoalhaven City Council has worked with the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council in undertaking the installation of eight carved poles on Crookhaven Headland.
The eight poles have been designed and carved by local residents and represent the lives and culture of the local Aboriginal community.
Mayor, Joanna Gash said Council had worked alongside the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council in supporting this important Cultural Heritage project.
The Mayor congratulated the Land Council and particularly the organisation’s CEO, Alfred Wellington on their hard work in ensuring the project became a reality.
“The eight carved poles were identified by the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council in 2013 as a significant cultural heritage project benefitting the entire community.
“Jerrinja Land Council engaged Noel Wellington, a community member and artist, to consult local Elders as the first stage of the project, seeking the ideas of the Aboriginal community regarding the design and construction of the poles.
“From here, it was decided that the poles would highlight the local Aboriginal people’s strong connection to the coast and saltwater through representations of fish, abalone and the ocean.
“Local Aboriginal people have worked tirelessly in carving out the images on the wooden poles with the end result a testament to their artistic and wood–carving ability.
“The wider community has been buzzing since the installation of the poles with the local community over the moon with the addition to the Crookhaven Headland.
“I would certainly encourage local residents to come down and take a look at the poles and in doing so learn more about the local Aboriginal community and their connection to the coast.”
The Mayor said Council had contributed $25,000 towards the construction of the wooden poles.
