Ballymanus Park named, now call for artists

IN addition to the City of Ballarat’s adoption of the name Djila-tjarriu for the new Ballymanus park, the site is seeking Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists to design its signage.

The name Djila-tjarriu means place of play and is a nod to Wuddawurrung culture and language and the intended us of the site as a recreation space.

Deputy Mayor Cr Belinda Coates said this is a small but important step forward.

“It’s a really positive small step forward for cultural awareness for the people of Ballarat to learn more about Aboriginal language, particularly local Wudawurrung language and culture,” she said.

“To have it unanimously supported was great and symbolises a step forward in the right direction.

“It’s an opportunity for more people in the community to hear Aboriginal language and to think a bit about the history and culture associated as well.”

In additional to the traditional naming of Ballymanus Estate’s play space, the site has extended an expression of interest for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander artists to design the signage to the entrance to the space.

Cr Coates said this is an exciting additional step to specifically call for artists who both identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and have made Ballarat their home.

“The City of Ballarat worked closely with the Wudawurrung Aboriginal corporation to gain permission for the use of the language in the name Djila-tjarriu to represent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members who live and work in Ballarat,” she said.

“Looking to represent this name through traditional motifs and symbols which respect the intent and use of this space is a nice way of acknowledging traditional culture.

“It will be really interesting to see what the artist selected comes up with as part as the signage for this area and hopefully it complements the name of the area and enhance cultural understanding.”

Cr Coates said she’s optimistic that the naming of Djila-tjarriu will set a good precedent for future naming opportunities.

“It’s one of the things that’s been identified in the City of Ballarat’s reconciliation plan to actively look for opportunities to use Aboriginal naming in our places,” she said.

“Aboriginal naming and dual naming opportunities should be something that the City of Ballarat is proactive about and this is a really good example.”

For more information on the creative opportunity or to submit an application for the expression of interest, visit creativeballarat.com.au/opportunities.