This morning, Monday 21st October, the grand opening of Hindmarsh Park took place. Those who attended were treated to a free sausage sizzle, courtesy of the Kiama Lions, complimentary cupcakes from the council, a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, and finished off with a ribbon cutting to officially open the playground. Kids from Kiama Public School and St Peter and Paul joined the festivities, and a lucky pair even got to help cut the ribbon.

Kiama's new Mayor, Cameron McDonald, opened the ceremony, expressing gratitude for his new role and recognising the growth of this project. “It's been a while coming, but we're really proud of this park,” he said. McDonald even had the cutest guest appearance during his opening speech, with a young girl showing her skills on the trampoline. Amidst a few laughs, he said, “It's already being utilised. Really happy that we're all enjoying this park already… This is what it's all about.”

“I also want to thank the NSW Government for their significant funding support,” Mayor McDonald added. The NSW Government provided $4.5 million for the project via a range of funding programs, including the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program, Stronger Country Communities Fund, and Get Active NSW (Active Transport: Walking/Cycling). Mayor McDonald also singled out the council project manager - David Wagstaff - for a superb effort. 

Aunty Gwenda, led the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. “It's really good when we do infrastructure on country; we make sure we pay our respects.” Aunty Gwenda explained that her role in society as one of the gatekeepers is to look after the country. She worked with the council to ensure that respect and homage to the history of the land were upheld, including the gum tree in the centre of the park, which is very significant to the land.

She welcomed us in Darwhal language, “Naganbi Naganbi Naganbi,” meaning welcome to country. Closing her speech, she said, “I'd also like to thank the whole community that supports all the children in this community for a great project that's going to stand forever and ever.” She was joined by Christian Jarrett for the smoking ceremony, which the school children partook in.

Aunty Gwenda and Christian conducting the Smoking ceremony

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Transport and Roads, Anna Watson, was in attendance. During her speech, she thanked the hard work of the council workers: “Kiama wouldn't look like this if it wasn't for those council workers who keep Kiama absolutely looking spectacular every single day, 365 days of the year.” I'm sure we can all agree with that sentiment.

“I congratulate Kiama Council on this magnificent park; it just looks spectacular.”

“When you see parks like this in any of our communities, it absolutely lifts it,” she beamed.

Kiama Council workers Joel, Seren, Tay, Darren and Glenn

Gareth Ward shared his sentiments about the significance of a disability-friendly park. “The great thing about this park is that it's all accessible; it doesn't matter your age or stage or also your ability. This is designed to be for people of all abilities, including those with disabilities. This was something I was very keen to see when we started the funding applications all those years ago.”

Gareth described the new park as “a jewel in the crown of Kiama.” 

The new playground features an array of fun and challenging equipment, including rope climbing structures, bridges, slides, climbing walls, swings, balance walls, and stepping stones. Accessible equipment such as trampolines, marimbas, swings, seesaws, and a carousel are designed for all abilities.

The park also offers barbecues, picnic furniture, shelters, and a water bubbler for visitors to enjoy. It also includes a sensory trail and areas for sand and water play. The landscaping showcases a selection of native plants, including Blue Flax Lily, Kangaroo Grass, Tussock Grass, White Correa, Guinea Flower, Coastal Rosemary, and Honey Myrtle.

The council extended its gratitude to Growth Civil Landscapes for their work on the landscaping and playground installation, and to Proludic for supplying the new play equipment.

To end the ceremony, the red ribbon was cut by Eve McAlary from Kiama Public School and Hindmarsh park was officially opened.

From Kiama Public School, Eve McAlary cuts the ribbon with fellow student Koa Gardner

Kiama Lions offering a free Sausage sizzle