Jun 20th, 2024

Djilang Plaza Opening

Generations of First Nations people who originally inhabited the lands in and around Geelong will now be commemorated for everyone visiting Kardinia Park with the official opening of Djilang Plaza.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, alongside Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, today helped open the public space, delivered as part of the $142 million Kardinia Park Stage 5 Redevelopment.

Located at the entrance of the Joel Selwood Stand on Moorabool Street, Djilang Plaza will become a gateway to welcome thousands of spectators to the venue every year and will share stories of Wadawurrung.

Highlighted by the Ngarrwa Kalk (knowledge sticks) which feature Wadawurrung artwork, the Plaza details layers of Wadawurrung Country and all that belongs to its people.

Kardinia Park has been a meeting place for Wadawurrung for thousands of years, with gatherings for all aspects of traditional cultural ceremonies and rituals. The naming of the new Djilang Plaza will ensure this is recognised and continues into the future.

Djilang is the traditional Wadawurrung title for Geelong, meaning a “Tongue of Land”, representing the unique way Geelong and the Bellarine sits on the edge of the bay. The name was chosen with support from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

Djilang Plaza is one of several key features of the redevelopment, including the Joel Selwood Stand which has increased the overall stadium capacity to 40,000, Geelong Sports Museum and the indoor Barwon Regional Cricket Centre.

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