Greater Dandenong City Council won the First Nations Community Partnership Initiative Award for the Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree (Springvale ceremonial fire pit) at the LGPro Awards for Excellence dinner.

The ceremonial fire pit, Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree, was designed by Indigenous artist and Kirrae Whurrong woman Fiona Clarke and her collaborator Ken McKean, in partnership with Bunurong and Wurundjeri Land Councils.

It is an important focal point of the Springvale Community Hub and is surrounded by river red gum trees, recognising the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong of the Kulin nation.

The Council, headed by John Bennie (CEO), says it is honoured to receive this excellence award for the significant ceremonial fire pit, Waa and Bulln Bulln Corroboree.

Mayor Cr Jim Memeti said: “The ceremonial fire pit depicts the coming together of the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples and their connection to Country.

“The elements of fire, stone, water and flora come together in harmony as a place of gathering, storytelling and connection,” said Cr Memeti.

The artwork has created a space for community to practice culture with purpose-built infrastructure, and to develop a deeper connection with where they live. By telling First Nations’ stories through public art, the Greater Dandenong community continues to connect with the longest living culture in the world.

The Indigenous artwork includes a symbolic sculpture comprising of two large bluestones. A crow (Waa) and a lyrebird (Bulln Bulln) have been hand carved into the stone symbolising the two local Indigenous clans. As night falls, the carvings glow and reflect the night sky above.

The bluestone rock symbolises the Traditional Owners’ connection to the earth. Between the carvings of Waa and Bulln Bulln is a sheet of steel symbolising the connection between the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples and the strength of their culture.

A mixing bowl has been placed near the fire pit to invite attendees to join in ceremony by rubbing ochre onto their faces. Seating has been made from locally grown reclaimed river red gums. Leaves from local flora are used to create the atmospheric smoke used in Welcome to Country and cleansing ceremonies.