Kiama Municipal Council is proud to see the installation of First Nations signage across the local government area at 11 notable and historical sites.
Funded by a grant from the NSW Government Department of Communities and Justice, the program was delivered by Kiama Council and Traditional Owners from the local Aboriginal Community Advisory Group.
Local Indigenous elder and artist Aunty Jodie Stewart was commissioned to design and create bespoke artworks depicting the sacred and significant cultural heritage of the Dharawal people across the LGA.
The First Nations signs are being installed at 11 locations, including entry points to towns in the Kiama LGA:
- Bombo Cemetery
- Crooked River Road, Gerroa
- Fern Street, Gerringong
- Gerringong Cemetery
- Gipps Street, Kiama
- Jamberoo Cemetery
- Jamberoo Road, Jamberoo
- Riverside Drive, Minnamurra
- South Kiama Drive, Kiama
- Werri Beach (northern end)
- Werri Beach (southern end)
Each piece honours a unique aspect of Dharawal Country – emphasising the strength, resilience and ongoing presence of Aboriginal culture, and the importance of respecting and protecting these connections today.
Aunty Jodie said these artworks collectively represent the deep cultural, spiritual and ancestral connections of the Dharawal people to their land, sea, community and traditions.
"As a proud Wodi Wodi Traditional Owner and artist, I have been practicing my art since the age of 12," she said.
"This collection is deeply personal and meaningful to me as it is inspired by and connected to Dharawal Country - our stories, our family, our land, our water and our ancestors.
"It is both an honour and a humbling experience to share these works as part of the Aboriginal Heritage Project for the Kiama Local Government Area.
"Through this collection, I hope to celebrate the enduring presence and culture of Traditional Custodians and to offer a deeper connection to Country for all who visit this place."
Dharawal elder Aunty Gwenda Jarrett was thrilled to see the colourful signage honouring the local Indigenous heritage.
"I am proud to see these sites recognised and given the respect and visibility they deserve," she said.
Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said the project is a reminder of the deep cultural roots and enduring connection First Nations people have with this land.
"These signs, created by a local Aboriginal artist, are more than markers - they are stories, spirit and recognition," he said.
"As a community, we are proud to honour these sacred sites and stand alongside Traditional Owners in acknowledging the history that has shaped our region."
Kiama Councillor and Wodi Wodi man Stuart Larkins added: "It's great to see this project coming to fruition and a massive thank you to Aunty Jodie Stewart for the design and for the work done by Council staff and the Aboriginal Community Advisory Group, who have helped co-design this project."
The project is proudly funded by the NSW Government.
Kiama Municipal Council would like to acknowledge Elders, Traditional Owners and Custodians with their continuing connections to Land, Waters, Sky, Culture and Community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the Dharawal Nation, and their Elders past, present and future.
© Jodie Stewart, all rights reserved by the artist. No reproduction of this artwork is permitted without written permission from the artist.
