Totems, marking the entryway to the Port Broughton Jetty, have been specially incorporated into the upgrade design to emphasise indigenous artwork as a focal point of the project.
In collaboration with the Nharangga Aboriginal Progress Association (NAPA), Barunga West Council formed the Nharangga Wambana Ngarga (Nharangga Knowledge Group) to oversee an expression of interest process. This initiative invited Nharangga artists to propose artwork designs for totems at the new Civic Square. As part of the specifications, artists were encouraged to weave in the integral four totems of the Nharangga land into their designs: wawi (female red kangaroo), Wildu (eagle), Garrdi (emu), and Widhadha (great white shark).
Upon the culmination of the competitive selection process, Ms Turner, with her rich cultural heritage rooted in the Kokatha and Nharangga clan groups, emerged as the preferred artist.
Ms Turner’s outstanding portfolio includes a piece unveiled earlier this year titled "Education – Together As One" at the Copper Coast Library in Kadina.
The former Wallaroo resident has always poured her passion for her culture, spiritual connection, and healing into her art. Ms Turner's pieces resonate deeply, offering viewers a gateway into the vivid and boundless world of Aboriginal Dreamtime. Beyond her national acclaim, Ms Turner has an impressive international footprint with several artworks sold globally, complemented by her continuous contributions to numerous Adelaide-based galleries and exhibitions.
Ms Turner’s final totem designs will be presented to the Council’s CEO for endorsement. Following this, the chosen contractor will be engaged to etch her designs into the timber totems.
This comes as Council makes some further unforeseen adjustments to the construction program for the Civic Square project. The SA Water component of the project has now been completed, and Council has undertaken essential preliminary works. However, a water play area, integral to the Civic Square upgrade, has forced delays due to a redesign that includes more resilient and cost-effective components. These components require longer lead times, pushing the timeframe to deliver the project to early/mid 2024.
“It will be worth the wait to have the first water feature of its kind in the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula, with a robust and resilient design,” said Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley.