Deputy Lord Mayor Linda Campbell, NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully and Lord Mayor Tania Brown at the new Hill 60 viewing platform. Photos: Wollongong City Council.
Celebrating the history and heritage of Hill 60 is at the heart of a new viewing platform unveiled at the Port Kembla headland.
The first stage of upgrades planned for the area has been completed and included a rebuild of existing roads and carparks and the construction of a large, accessible pedestrian-friendly viewing area with expansive vistas of Fishermans Beach and the Five Islands.
A key part of the project was paying homage to the site’s rich history as both a heritage-listed Aboriginal site and the location of the World War II installation the Illowra Battery.
“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,” Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said.
“As you explore, I encourage you to reflect on the layered histories of defence, community and resilience that define Hill 60.”
The artwork, titled Hill 60 Dreaming, is incorporated into the pavement and tells the story of the community and Five Islands.
It was created by Aboriginal artist Uncle Steven Russell, who is a Bidigal man of Dharawal Nation and the son of acclaimed artist Esme Timbery.
His grandfather Hubert Timbery was born under the fig tree in Figtree.
Uncle Steven said his artwork was inspired by his relationship to Country and around Botany Bay and was about bringing something satisfying to the Illawarra 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,” Uncle Steven said.
Uncle Steven Russell’s work Hill 60 Dreaming is about community and the story of Five Islands.
These upgrades are the first stage of the Hill 60 Master Plan, which was finalised and adopted by Wollongong City Council in 2015 but required two separate heritage approvals before the full program of works could begin.
Plans for the viewing platforms were shared with the community for feedback in mid-2023, with cultural stakeholders involved throughout the process.
“Hill 60 is already a popular destination for residents and visitors,” Wollongong City Council general manager Greg Doyle said. ”We hope that this upgrade will improve accessibility and provide better viewing areas for people visiting the site.
“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.”
The upgrades were made possible through a $500,000 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,” NSW Planning Minister and Wollongong MP Paul Scully said.
The next stage of works as part of the Hill 60 Master Plan is focused on improvements to the existing car park adjacent to the old military tunnels, but there is no indication that work on the tunnels themselves is in the near future.
For more information visit the Our Wollongong website.
Loading ...
