Fire pit to be focus of project

THE WATERWAYS surrounding Healesville have provided the inspiration for a ceremonial fire pit that will be the focal point of The Meeting Place project in Healesville.
The project aims to create a unique meeting place of indigenous Australian and Maori cultures in Queens Park.
Local aboriginal artists Graham Patterson, Rodney Bourke and Mandy Nicholson are working on the project with Glenn Romanis, one of Australia’s leading indigenous artists.
The Yarra and Watts rivers and Badger Creek, which feature in the design, are more than familiar to the local artists who say they are proud to be part of a functional art-work which will be seen and used for years. The fire pit, which will be used during ceremonies such as Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC Week and other events, is being handcrafted using a range of coloured stones including slate, basalt and granite.
“When it is grouted with red oxide, sealed and polished the colours of the different stone will really highlight the design,” Mr Romanis said.
The project grew out of a visit by members of New Zealand’s Ngai Tahu tribe to Healesville during the Commonwealth Games.
Elders and artists from the Ngai Tahu community will visit Healesville later in the year to add their own artwork to the garden that will include traditional medicinal plants from both cultures.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges is overseeing construction of the project in partnership with Toor-Rong Aboriginal Corporation.
Yarra Ranges’ councillor Jeanette McRae said The Meeting Place was a tangible expression of the common bond and mutual respect between the cultures but would also be a place for the whole community.
“People of all backgrounds will find the garden a wonderful place to enjoy and learn about traditional cultures,” she said.