The Kaurna people have lived here since long before European settlement, but many of us know relatively little about the rich history of our traditional land owners.
“Learning about our bi-cultural heritage helps us better understand and appreciate the place we live in today and the actions required to better recognise the Aboriginal cultural landscape of the region,” says cultural geographer, Gavin Malone, who is co-presenting a free special presentation at Aldinga Library on Friday 3 May (2pm to 3:30pm) during South Australia’s History Festival.
Ngaltingga Yerta: Aldinga Country, will see Gavin join senior custodian Karl Winda Telfer to speak about the Kaurna cultural landscape of the Aldinga region, using Kaurna images in the library’s bi-cultural installation, located in its Local History section.
The installation, Two Stories – Kuma Munaintya Taikurringa – uses paintings, photographs and a Kaurna shield crafted by Karl to tell the shared stories of Ngaltingga Yerta-Aldinga’s Kaurna and European heritage elements.
Gavin says some of the things participants will discover during the presentation include the meaning behind the names Ngaltingga/Aldinga; the reason why settlers were greeted by English-speaking Kaurna people; and who the first European was to walk on this land (and when).
In addition to Kaurna images, the library’s installation includes 14 images of the early history of the Aldinga and Port Willunga area, including historic buildings, the Port Willunga Jetty and events such as the Sellicks Beach Motorcycle Races.
Questions and discussions on the day are welcome.
The free presentation (bookings required via Eventbrite) is just one of five City of Onkaparinga events being held during South Australia’s History Festival (27 April – 31 May).
Peruse the rest of the events below and pencil in some time to discover the rich history of your own backyard.
Launch: Saturday 4 May, 1:30pm to 4pm
Exhibition: Saturday 4 May to Saturday 15 June 2019
Venue: Sauerbier House, 21 Wearing St, Port Noarlunga
Cost: Free, no bookings required
Heartland presents artworks, experiences and mementos of two South Australian artists who, despite being separated by time, have a deep shared connection with the Moana-Christies coastline.
This exhibition celebrates the generational influence of this region on the lives and art practices of Bridgette Minuzzo and Steve Wickes (1877-1954).
A painting workshop with Bridgette, drawing inspiration from the works in the exhibition, will also be held on Saturday 11 May where participants can learn to create paintings that appear as if you’re looking through a telescope. The cost is $15 and bookings are essential.
Date: Tuesday 14 May, 10am to 12pm
Venue: Noarlunga Library, Hannah Rd, Noarlunga Centre
Cost: $5, bookings not required
High On The Hill: The People of St Philip & St James chronicles the lives of the local nineteenth-century people buried in the churchyard adjacent St Philip & St James Church in Old Noarlunga.
There book contains intriguing stories and useful information for family historians. The book will be available to buy for a small cost on the day. Come along to see a display of Old Noarlunga photos and have a chat to the Local History Officer.
Date: Sunday 12 May, 10am to 11:30am
Venue: Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park (Cox Rd entrance, opposite holiday park), Cox Rd, Aldinga Beach
Cost: $5, bookings essential via Eventbrite
Join local Kaurna/Narungga/Kokatha man Clem Newchurch for a walk through the Aldinga Scrub. Learn about bush foods and Kaurna plant uses, as well as other cultural aspects that are significant for Kaurna people in the Southern Adelaide region.
Clem’s art will also be on display at Aldinga Library during the History Festival.
Dates: Sunday 5 May, 9:30am OR Sunday 26 May, 1:30pm
Venue: Meet at Watchman House, 360 Main Rd, Coromandel Valley
Cost: $8, bookings essential via Eventbrite (money payable at commencement of walk)
Experience the beauty of the Valley, learn about its history and hear stories of the early settlers. Join with an expert guide from the National Trust for this interactive walk through an area of historic significance in the story of South Australia.
Each walk is split into two 50-minute segments with a refreshment break in between. Don’t forget to bring water and wear sturdy walking shoes, sunscreen and a hat.