The Allan Labor Government is supporting Gunditjmara Traditional Owners with new foreshore upgrades and a ceremonial space in Portland where they can dance, gather, celebrate and share their culture.
Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today announced the completion of the Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring (Portland Bay Dance Ground) dance space, as well as new lighting along the Portland Foreshore.
Supported by a $900,000 investment from the Labor Government, the upgrades are designed to make Portland more accessible and culturally connected. The ceremonial dance space is a dedicated area for sharing Portland's Indigenous culture, helping teach the community and visitors about cultural heritage in Portland.
Its design was a result of collaboration with Gunditjmara Dance Group Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn and other Traditional Owner groups and organisations across the Portland area.
The dance space takes inspiration from both the Gunditjmara culture and the coastal environment, featuring a basalt coolamon and totem poles depicting local wildlife. It will be used for Gunditjmara traditional dance, cultural ceremonies, education, community workshops and truth telling.
As part of the foreshore activation, new lighting has been installed across the 1.3-kilometre beachfront pedestrian pathway, improving visibility and ensuring locals and visitors can navigate the foreshore area with confidence, keep active and take in the sights of the foreshore at any time of the day or night.
The dance space and lighting are part of Glenelg Shire Council's Portland Foreshore Masterplan, which aims to transform Portland's waterfront into a vibrant community destination and tourism hub, through creation of new infrastructure.
Funding for the Portland Foreshore's ceremonial dance space and lighting forms part of our record support of more than $47 billion for rural and regional Victoria in just over a decade. For more information, go to https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes
"It's great to see this project come to life with the dance space a significant new asset for the Gunditjmara people, and for the community to connect and learn more about the Gunditjmara culture."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora
"With the addition of lighting, along the walking track on the foreshore, we've made Portland even better for locals and visitors alike."
As stated by Glenelg Shire Council Mayor Cr Karen Stephens
"Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring is a place of gathering - a designated site for cultural ceremonies, community events and reflection. We are proud to see this vision come to life, and we look forward to the many shared experiences it will foster."
