Belconnen commuters will now enjoy the view of native flora and fauna during their travels down the recently completed Gundaroo Drive, connecting residents with the rich history of Ngunnawal Country.
The new Ngunnawal cultural artwork was launched today by the ACT Government during a traditional smoking ceremony.
ACT Government officials worked closely with a local Ngunnawal consulting firm, Bagariin Ngunnawal Cultural Consulting, to deliver four gathering circles at the entries to Owen Dixon Drive, Baldwin Drive, Ginninderra Drive and the McKellar wetlands. The gathering circles feature native flora and fauna and cultural elements that were present within the McKellar and Giralang region prior to European settlement.
New suburb signage featuring native animals has also been installed at the entries to Giralang and McKellar.
Each gathering circle includes seating around a central art feature and connects to the nearby path network for easy access.
New landscaping was planted around the entry features to help the new features sit better into the natural landscape.
This work marks the final step in completing upgrades along Gundaroo Drive. From January 2021 to May 2025, Gundaroo Drive was upgraded to a dual carriageway between Ginninderra Drive and the Barton Highway.
These significant road and bridge works delivered a smoother and safer road. Better connecting Gungahlin and Belconnen for all road users including cyclists.
The project was jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments under the Infrastructure Investment Program.
Quotes attributable to Sophie Clement, Executive Branch Manager, Infrastructure Development Delivery, City and Environment Directorate:
"The cultural entry features and gathering circles are a great and powerful example of government working with the Ngunnawal and local community to create something which acknowledges cultural history and provides a space for people to learn more."
"I encourage Canberrans to walk these paths, stop at these gathering circles, take in the history and beauty of the flora, fauna and cultural connection in this area."
