New Park in Stockland Providence celebrates First Nations heritage

A new park celebrating First Nations heritage and tradition in the Ripley Valley has officially opened in Stockland Providence.

Mirrigin Park, named after the Yagarabul word for ‘stars’, has been built in close partnership with the Yuggera Ugarapul People and CUSP landscape architects, and showcases community collaboration and cultural integration.

It is located at the intersection of Carnarvon Drive and Danbulla Street, in Stockland Providence’s ‘True North’ precinct in the Ripley Valley, approximately 43 kilometres southwest of Brisbane’s CBD, and 12 kilometres west of Greater Springfield.

The park opened during National Reconciliation Week 2024 and includes a yarning circle and totem poles crafted by local artists Jordan and Shaylene Saltner, who share their pride in seeing the community embrace the park’s cultural significance.

“The community event was deeply meaningful, celebrating the inspiration behind each totem pole and the yarning circle, I felt very proud and happy to see the park come to life,” Ms Saltner said.

“The four totem poles I painted symbolise the sacred land surrounding the park. The first totem represents the Yuggera word ‘Mirrigin,’ meaning ‘star,’ and is at the park’s entrance. If you visit at night, you’ll understand why. The green totem pole ‘Mallara,’ signifies the men’s area in Green Bank. The purple totem pole, ‘Jundalba,’ represents the women’s area in White Rock. The brown totem pole ‘Ngulle Kūrunri,’ is our connection to country. 

“The yarning circle, created by my brother Jordan, is a welcoming space for conversation. It is a place of equality and sharing, reflecting our saying: ‘Never above, never below, always beside.’

“Mirrigin park is the heart of the community. The park is surrounded by cultural values, it is a place my ancestors have walked through to reach our sacred lands. I hope you feel this deep connection when you visit, as our ancestors welcome you here,” Ms Saltner said.

Stockland Project Director, David Franklin, said Mirrigin Park reflects Stockland’s ongoing commitment to creating vibrant and inclusive spaces for the community.

“Our collaboration with the Yuggera Ugarapul Peoples has preserved heritage and we’re proud that this park sets new standards in sustainable urban planning and community engagement,” Mr Franklin said.

“Mirrigin Park is a great place for families and their children to play and relax. It fosters community connection and its location atop a ridgeline offers expansive views of Flinders Peak, making it ideal for stargazing – an homage to its Yagarabul name, translating to ‘stars’.”

The park’s innovative design elements promote community cohesion and well-being, and includes play equipment, open kickabout spaces, and exercise facilities. From sustainable practices to inclusive recreational facilities, the park is designed as a space of genuine cultural significance and community connection, reflecting the spirit and heritage of the land and its people.

Mirrigin Park has been nominated in the prestigious Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Award for Excellence – Parks and Recreation. The Queensland UDIA Awards winners in each category will be announced at the UDIA Queensland Awards for Excellence Lunch hosted on 1 November 2024 and the winning projects will then go on to compete in the national awards in early 2025.

For more information about Stockland Providence, visit: https://www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/providence