The new Mirrigin Park’s official opening at Providence in the Ripley Valley.
Mirrigin Park, within the Providence community, officially opened with a launch event on 31 May during National Reconciliation Week, 2024. The park was co-designed with members of the Yuggera Ugarapul Peoples and beautifully weaves cultural narratives into its fabric.
Located on a ridgeline with expansive views of Flinders Peak, the park offers residents an idyllic space for stargazing. The park’s name ‘Mirrigin’ means ‘Stars’ in the local language. Along with accessible pathways, open green spaces, seating areas and play equipment, the park also features a yarning circle and four Totem poles designed and painted by local Indigenous woman and artist, Shaylene Saltner. The totems honour different cultural elements: ‘Mirrigin’ represents the stars and the name of the park; ‘Mallarra’ represents men’s country; ‘Jundalba’ represents women’s place; and ‘Ngulle Kurunri’ represents the YUP’s dark past, the Deebing Creek and Purga Missions. Native bottle trees and hoop pines also feature in the park’s design.
“Mirrigin Park is the heart of the community. The park is surrounded by cultural values, it is a place my ancestors have walked through to reach our sacred lands. I hope you feel this deep connection when you visit , as our ancestors welcome you here,” Shaylene said.
Intended to reflect the spirit and heritage of Country and to support community connection, Mirrigin Park was designed by CUSP landscape architects in close collaboration with the YUP and Stockland. It was constructed by Eureka Landscapes along with Dynamic Landscapes – an Ipswich-based company run by Jordan Saltner, Shaylene’s brother, that delivered the yarning circle and totems.
The launch event was well-attended offering food, drinks, and craft stations, and showcasing local performers with a traditional welcome by Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dancers.
We look forward to many more gatherings and celebrations taking place at Mirrigin Park into the future! Learn more about the making of Mirrigin Park and subscribe to the YUP YouTube channel here.
KEY POINTS:
- Mirrigin Park opened on 31 May 2024 and is located within the Stockland Providence community.
- The park was co-designed with the YUP and reflects the spirit and heritage of country.
- An ideal spot for gathering, the park features a yarning circle and four totem poles designed and painted by local artist, Shaylene Saltner.
- Mirrigin Park was designed by CUSP in close collaboration with the YUP, Stockland, and with input from Eureka Landscapes and Dynamic Landscapes who constructed the park.
