The public park at the Acton Waterfront will be known as Ngamawari (pronounced ‘nar-mar-wa-ree’), a Ngunnawal word meaning ‘cave place’.
The name recognises the cultural significance of the limestone caves flooded during the creation of Lake Burley Griffin. These sites were used for shelter and a meeting place along the Molonglo River.
“Ngamawari reflects the truth telling story of this place – a place of significance to Ngunnawal people,” Ngunnawal elder Dr Caroline Hughes AM said.
“There is so much Ngunnawal history in this place that has not been told such as the limestone caves that have been hidden by Lake Burley Griffin at a time when Ngunnawal were excluded from the conversation and development of Canberra.
“Ngamawari celebrates and educates all about Ngunnawal Country, history and language.”
Ngunnawal representatives presented the name to the ACT Government this morning. The official naming comes after the National Capital Authority granted Works Approval for the new park, following significant public consultation.
“The idea to celebrate and embed Ngunnawal culture and history at the Acton Waterfront has been a popular theme in the ACT Government’s public consultations on this project,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“The ACT Government has been working with Ngunnawal community representatives over the past two years on the park design, and it is a great privilege to accept this Ngunnawal-language name from them.
“Future generations will now be able to celebrate Ngunnawal culture and history when they visit the Ngamawari public park and its adventure playground, cafes, native gardens and events lawns.”
The ACT Government will undertake a public tender process for construction of the park’s early works in 2024.
The temporary park will open to the public in 2025-26, followed by the permanent park in 2028.
The National Capital Authority will create a pedestrian path leading to the National Museum of Australia.
The existing Acton Waterfront Boardwalk recently won the National Civil Infrastructure Award (more than $25 million) at the MBA Construction Excellence Awards in Perth.
