Kiama Municipal Council has unveiled new First Nations signage at 11 notable and historical sites across the local government area.
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, the Council said in a statement.
Aunty Jodie said the 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 said she 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.
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.”
Further information on the artwork can be found at the Kiama Council website.
