Ngurunderi Sculpture

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:46): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about the importance of recognising tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal heritage, and the recent unveiling of the Ngurunderi sculpture at the Granite Island Causeway?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:46): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in this area, and I would be most pleased to provide a response. Over the weekend just gone I had the distinct pleasure of attending the unveiling of a sculpture of Ngurunderi on Ngarrindjeri Ramindjeri at Victor Harbor. Standing on top of a huge granite boulder, which was locally sourced and donated by the City of Victor Harbor, this sculpture was designed by renowned Ngurunderi artist Kevin Kropinyeri and built by local Adelaide artist Karl Meyer.

The Ngarrindjeri creation story is specific to the area of the Ngarrindjeri Nation and the Ramindjeri group, and the area particularly of Pultang (or Victor Harbor), Kaiki (Granite Island) and Longkuwa (the Bluff) near Victor Harbor. The story of Ngarrindjeri, the great Ngarrindjeri ancestor, was that he travelled on Ramindjeri country in pursuit of his two wives, who had eluded him. When he heard his wives splashing and playing in the direction of Kings Point, Ngurunderi threw his club down in anger, creating what we now know as The Bluff.

At Victor Harbor Ngurunderi threw his spear into the sea and created Granite Island, and Ngurunderi walked over his spear and made a shelter from the boulders. This place is now called Panggari Marti (Umbrella Rock). The sculpture of Ngurunderi builds on several Aboriginal-specific artworks as part of the project, including the artwork along the entire length of the causeway deck.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Point of order, Mr President.

The PRESIDENT: I will listen to your point of order.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: Standing Order 452: the minister is reading from a media release. Would he like me to read along?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: The minister is not reading at all from a media release, sir. Guys, read along with me, like I used to with Ridgey—

The Hon. N.J. Centofanti interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Minister, you have assured me that you are not reading from a media release?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Absolutely not sir. This sculpture builds on Aboriginal-specific artwork delivered as part of the project.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Point of order, sir.

The PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Franks has a point of order.

The Hon. T.A. FRANKS: Given that it does sound like he is reading from a media release, could he table the document so that we can make sure that you have not been misled?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: I am reading from a parliamentary briefing prepared for the proceedings of parliament.

The PRESIDENT: So are you prepared to table it?

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: No, sir, I am not going to table it.

The PRESIDENT: Okay, continue.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Sir, I am reading from notes prepared for parliament.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order! Continue on.

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: Thank you, sir. As I was saying, this sculpture builds on Aboriginal art specific outcomes. It is the longest integrated Aboriginal artwork anywhere known in the world. some 650 metres over the causeway that incorporates the work of five Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri artists, including 11 Dreamtime stories that are etched in the concrete over the causeway.

I think many South Australians have fond memories of Granite Island and the Victor Harbor area, but prior to this project there was little portrayed about some of the significant stories to the traditional owners of the region. Now every time someone visits Granite Island or stands at the causeway before Granite Island, they can see the magnificent, I think some 3 metres tall, sculpture of Ngurunderi and also the 650-metre long artwork that is etched along the causeway.

I would particularly like to thank people involved in this project, including the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, which was represented by Tim Hartman at the unveiling on this Saturday; the City of Victor Harbor; the talented artist, as I mentioned, Kevin Kropinyeri; and everyone else for their collaboration in this sculpture.

I also want to mention the efforts of the Department of Transport and Infrastructure, which I know is doing better and better at incorporating elements of the oldest living culture on the planet in what they do. I particularly want to thank the efforts of Ngalungku's Kuta Nyani Thomas in relation to the work he has done on this project and particularly the work he does for the Department of Transport.

Projects like this that display many tens of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture are a differentiating point for tourists who come to places like the popular Victor Harbor and also, as I was discussing with a number of traditional owners of the area on the day, having these sorts of sculptures seen helps instil pride in young Aboriginal people in the area.