Shellharbour City Council has received the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Excellence Awards for Yirran muru, Aboriginal Interpretive play space.
The Engineering Excellence Awards recognise exceptional skill and commitment of public works professionals that contribute to making their communities better places to live.
Located in the native gardens behind the Shellharbour Civic Centre, Yirran muru, meaning 'many pathways' in Dharawal, is an authentic Aboriginal interpretive play space that shares local Dharawal culture through Aboriginal methods of learning.
From the escarpment to the sea, Yirran muru is designed to take you on a cultural journey following the historic seasonal movements of local Aboriginal people.
This is the second award that the play space has received since its official opening in April 2023, after winning silver at the 2023 Landscape Excellence Awards.
Mayor Chris Homer said he was thrilled Yirran muru was the recipient of another highly prestigious industry award.
"Yirran muru is a celebration of Dharawal culture and there is truly something for everyone, of all ages, to learn, challenge and play," he said.
"I'm particularly proud of the collaboration with our local Aboriginal community that has brought this one-of-a-kind space to life and led to its tremendous success. I encourage anyone that hasn't visited the space yet to please go check it out," Mayor Homer said.
Learn more about Yirran muru here.
