Playground facilitates cultural connection

OCEAN Grove’s Woodlands Kinder children were among the first to embrace a new playground celebrating Wadawurrung culture at its official opening.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corinna Eccles and more than a dozen children from the local kindergarten attended the playground’s opening.

Located next to the Dunes café, the playground, named Kurrak – meaning “sand” in Wadawurrung language – features artworks and signs celebrating seasonal stories.

Ms Eccles conducted a smoking ceremony at the site and spoke about the significance of its connection to the First Peoples of the land.

Ms Neville said the playground was a community asset by providing a place for people to meet and enjoy.

“It’s a great space for locals in an amazing location, and by incorporating Wadawurrung culture and history it will provide a meaningful educational opportunity for everyone who visit,” she said.

Catering to pre-school and lower primary-aged children and developed in consultation with the local community and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, the park’s theme enables children and carers to immerse themselves in a journey of learning and discovery through play.

The project was funded through a $180,000 state government grant and is overseen by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management.