National Reconciliation Week: Now More Than Ever

Wangu Poles

By Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri artist, Paul Herzich

Laser Cutting in Aluminium

Design: Oxigen Landscape Architects

On these seven poles, thousands of circles have been hand-drawn by the artist to form a local Kaurna story of when, on a clear night sky, Wardlipari (The Milky Way) forms cultural connections that all Kaurna people have with the Karrawirra pari (River Torrens). For thousands of years, Kaurna people have used the Karrawirra pari to sustain their way of life.

This artwork embodies the traditional ritual knowledge of the Kaurna Community. It was created with the consent of Wirltu Yarlu Cultural Advisors and custodians.

Kaurna learning circle

The Kaurna Learning Circle is a special place for cultural exchange, learning, and ceremony. As you walk on the earthy brick paving, you'll see a warm welcome written in Kaurna language, "Marni naa pudni tirka kurruru-ana" which means "good you all come to learning circle". The Circle features a beautiful corten steel fire pit that is used for ceremonial purposes, and it's engraved with the pattern of the Karrawirra pari (River Torrens).

On one side of the Learning Circle, there are stone seats with backrests that are specifically designed to accommodate Elders and senior representatives during cultural events. A steel shade structure partially covers the Learning Circle, and it's inscribed with a heartfelt Welcome to Country, "Kaurna miyruna wangkatha marni naa pudni, Kaurna yarta-ana" which means "Kaurna people say good you all come to Kaurna country".

Kaurna Wirltu Tidna mural

By Narungga/Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri artist, Cedric Varcoe

The artwork presents a welcoming message for everyone coming to the University of Adelaide’s campus, creating a sense of belonging and place on Kaurna Country. The colourful artwork features the Sea Eagle Foot and the Karrawirra Pari (Red Gum Forest River), also called the River Torrens, whose banks the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace campus is built.

The artwork is placed outside of the Hub building and welcomes everyone coming to the University of Adelaide’s North Terrace Campus. The artwork was originally painted on canvas and then printed on vinyl to fit the length of the building.

Wirltu Yarlu

Wirltu Yarlu was founded in 1996 to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at the Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music. Today, Wirltu Yarlu has expanded to encompass strategic planning, learning and teaching and outreach and future student programs.

Wirltu Yarlu is responsible for recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, managing Access Pathways, and providing support services to Indigenous students at the University. It also oversees the delivery of the Indigenous Knowledge Major.

The name "Wirltu Yarlu" is derived from the Kaurna language. Wirltu Yarlu is the name given to the sea eagle, which, according to Kaurna storytelling, is always striving to soar higher than before. This name reflects our vision for an institution that makes a lasting contribution to our First Nations peoples through the transformative impact of education and employment.

The “Journey”, the new Wirltu Yarlu artwork is a collaborative creation by Kaurna, Ngarrindjeri, Narungga, and Wirangu artist Gabriel Stengle, and was commissioned by Wirltu Yarlu and is now an integral part of The University of Adelaide Indigenous Unit brand identity. “The artwork is a testament to the journey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, from their time in High School, through the Karnkanthi program, and into University and beyond. It’s a celebration of the connection between Wirltu Yarlu, the University, the students, and the journey of education”, shares the artist Gabriel Stengle.

As a University of Adelaide alumni, Gabriel personally experienced Wirltu Yarlu's impact on her journey through higher education. “At school, I was probably the only Aboriginal student. I joined the Karnkanthi program at The University of Adelaide while still at school, and it was a nice step into university; you are surrounded by like-minded people with similar stories growing up, but from different parts of South Australia, all brought up very similarly. The feeling was like a family”.

The Journey

By Gabriel Stengle.

The Story

Close your eyes and let me take you on a journey that will inspire your soul.

Picture yourself on Kaurna Yerta (Kaurna country) where Wirltu Yarlu's totem of the Sean Eagle stands tall, representing excellence through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education. The pink waterholes, showcasing the eagle claw, are joined with journey lines that represent the path that students take from high school to university and eventually into employment.

The Journey begins at the corner river, representing the Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens), which connects Wirltu Yarlu to Kaurna Yerta and its people. The bright waterholes throughout the journey represent the diverse meeting places of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who come to study at The University of Adelaide. The connected journey lines are recognition that students come from various walks of life. 

Wirltu Yarlu's support is evident throughout The Journey, and it comes full circle as students achieve success. The bright colours represent the light of every individual and bring awareness to the journey while building a connection with the broader community. 

Finally, the kangaroo tracks represent Wirltu Yarlu's vision and its journey to always strive for excellence in education by moving forward and never looking back.