An important site on Dharawal Country is Hill 60, Port Kembla. We've now finished work on the new viewing platform, a project aimed to celebrate the site's significant heritage values, while making improvements that would make the space more enjoyable.
The Port Kembla headland area at Hill 60, with its great views of the Five Islands and Port Kembla Harbour, was the area of focus for the first stage of works.
The stage one works included:
- Rebuilding the existing access road and carpark to create a new accessible viewing area with pedestrian access and accessible car parking
- New kerbs and equal access footway connections up to the new viewing area
- A large, pedestrian-friendly viewing area, providing expansive views of Fishermans Beach and the Five Islands, paved in high quality concrete with bench seating
- New safety railings around the viewing area.
A key part of the project is the new interpretative signage and artwork that celebrates the rich history of the site.
Image: 'Hill 60 Dreaming' artwork by Uncle Steven Russell
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Council was grateful to work with local Aboriginal artist Uncle Steven Russell on his artwork titled 'Hill 60 Dreaming', which is incorporated into the pavement and tells the story of the community and Five Islands.
"The artwork and interpretative signage, which was done in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, celebrates the heritage of Hill 60 and shares some details of their connections and stories to this important site," Cr Brown said.
"As you explore, I encourage you to reflect on the layered histories of defence, community and resilience that define Hill 60."
Uncle Steven is a Bidigal man of Dharawal Nation. He is the son of acclaimed artist Esme Timbery, and his grandfather Hubert Timbery was born under the fig tree in Figtree. His artwork drew on inspiration from his relationship to the Country and around Botany Bay
Uncle Steven said his artwork is bringing something satisfying to the community.
"It's for the community and it's not just about me and my family but it's about the community, of who we are on the east coast of New South Wales," he said.
Watch the video below to hear more about the artwork.
As part of the project, stories told by Aboriginal Traditional Owners, custodians and knowledge holders connected to Hill 60 have been compiled and is available on the Illawarra Stories website . The interpretative signage onsite provides a QR code for visitors to scan that refers them to the website.
Cr Brown said that behind the scenes, there has been a considerable amount of work to develop the Hill 60 Landscape Master Plan for this location.
"Hill 60 and surrounding area is an important site for the Aboriginal community, and we have been working closely with representatives from the community for some time on this project and look forward to continuing this relationship into the future," she said.
Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said that this first stage of works was made possible thanks to a grant from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
"Hill 60 is already a popular destination for residents and visitors. We hope that this upgrade will improve accessibility and provide better viewing areas for people visiting the site," Mr Doyle said.
"As a significant Aboriginal site, with layers of shared history that was added to the NSW State Heritage Register in 2001, we want to ensure that the site retains its cultural values and history, and that's why we've involved the community every step of the way."
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said she was proud that the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund had contributed $500,000 to a project that successfully celebrates Hill 60's significant cultural heritage while making it more accessible for residents and visitors alike.
"It is wonderful that even more people will be able to enjoy the spectacular views from Hill 60 now that this work on the new viewing platform has been completed," Ms Moriarty said.
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park welcomed the investment in the region.
"This is a beautiful, and very significant part of our community in the Illawarra.
"It's a go to for the locals and tourists alike when you're in Wollongong and these upgrades makes it an even more attractive location to visit." Mr Park said.
Member for Wollongong and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces The Hon. Paul Scully MP said:
"The NSW Government was pleased to support this upgrade through a grant from the Port Kembla Community Investment Fund.
"This investment will not only improve the amenity of Hill 60 for local residents but it will encourage people to visit Port Kembla and explore what other things the area has to offer in terms of attractions, retail and hospitality helping to generate economic activity and support jobs."
This marks the completion of Stage 1A Works. Work on the Hill 60 Landscape Master Plan will continue with Council working on the next stage which is focused on improvements to the existing car park adjacent to the Tunnels.
The cultural significance of Hill 60 will continue to be recognised throughout the rollout of the Hill 60 Master Plan.
