First Ballarat West Growth Area active open space Djila-tjarriu officially opens

The first Ballarat West Growth Area active open space Djila-tjarriu (jilla-ja-roo – “place of play”) officially opens today with the central park consisting of four hectares of parkland, playground facilities, BBQ and shelter areas, skate, and scooter tracks.

In creating the park, the City of Ballarat consulted with its Aboriginal Liaison Officer and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Corporation to create a culturally safe and welcoming playground that also acknowledges the Aboriginal community.

The naming proposal underwent a community and public consultation process in accordance with the current Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.

Council also worked with Aboriginal artist Tarni Jarvis from multimedia artwork company Kurrong Kalat to create park signage that best visualises Djila-tjarriu, which was a finalist in the 2021 HART (Helping Achieve Reconciliation Together) Awards which recognise initiatives by Victorian local governments and community organisations towards advancing reconciliation.

The opening was originally intended to occur in line with the park opening in 2020 but was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Ballarat Mayor Daniel Moloney notes “this will also be the first of many Aboriginal named active open space areas, with the City of Ballarat having a long-term vision to name all Ballarat West Growth Area active open spaces with an Aboriginal name, which is consistent with our Reconciliation Action Plan.

“I look forward to not only the residents of the Ballarat West Growth Area but all residents of Ballarat enjoying Djila-tjarriu for many years to come.”

Image courtesy of ballarat.vic.gov.au/