As part of the City of Salisbury’s commitment to Reconciliation, Council has partnered with award-winning Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri Landscape Architect and Visual Artist, Paul Herzich, to shine light on the Aboriginal history and identity of municipality lands.
Council says Salisbury’s iconic clocktower will be decorated in new artwork that depicts histories told by prominent Kaurna and Narungga Elders, and local Salisbury residents Uncle Frank Wanganeen and Dr Kevin ‘Uncle Dookie’ O’Loughlin OAM.
The artwork, made of large aluminium panelling, depicts drawings representing local features of significance including vernal pools in Parafield, as well as a dingo, whose skeleton was found in Greenfields.
The artwork will be unveiled at the corner of Church and John Streets on 23 January in a special ceremony which will lead into events and activities for Councils Australiana Week.
As part of the event, Council says Elders Uncle Frank and Uncle Dookie will share histories and discuss broader themes of reconciliation and messages for the community.
Mayor, Gillian Aldridge OAM said it was important to reflect on our past history in the lead up to Australia Day.
“Salisbury is committed to enhancing relationships, respect and opportunities available to our Aboriginal community.”
“We recognise that Salisbury is built upon Kaurna land and many parts of the Salisbury region – including our wetlands sites – are sacred to the Aboriginal community.
“The unveiling of our new clock tower artwork will complement our commitment to strengthening connections between all parts of our community and tie in with existing themes seen at the Salisbury Community Hub,” the Mayor said.
An existing artwork by Paul Herzich can be seen at the John Harvey Community Hall within the Salisbury Community Hub in Church Street.
