- Published:
- Thursday 23 November 2023
Victorians will pay tribute to the connection to land and place of First Nations People in Geelong, with the new northern plaza at Kardinia Park’s iconic redevelopment to be named Djilang Plaza, thanks to the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced the plaza name, Djilang, would honour Traditional Owners of the land on which the venue sits and ensure the story of the land is told for generations to come.
Meaning a “Tongue of Land,” Djilang is the Traditional Wadawurrung title for Geelong and represents the unique way Geelong and the Bellarine sits on the edge of the bay.
Kardinia Park has been a meeting place for Wadawurrung for thousands of years, with gatherings for all aspects of Traditional cultural ceremonies and rituals. With locals and visitors from interstate, Australia and globally set to enjoy this iconic new meeting place, Djilang Plaza will recognise the history of the region’s First Peoples.
Facing onto Moorabool Street outside Gate 1 at the northern end of the stadium, Djilang Plaza will become a gateway to welcome thousands of spectators to the venue every year and will share stories of Wadawurrung.
Overseen by the Trust, the Stage 5 Redevelopment will deliver a new 14,000 capacity, two-tier northern stand, new northern entry plaza, sports museum, indoor cricket hub, function rooms and a suite of technology upgrades.
Patrons will enjoy world-class facilities all year round with the venue set to host a packed schedule of events of Australian Football, T20 cricket, football, concerts and many other community activities which makes Kardinia Park so important to Geelong and the entire region.
Led by the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust as the naming authority, the naming process involved significant consultation with the community and key stakeholders, including Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Geographic Names Victoria.
Construction on the Stage 5 Redevelopment continues and once complete will increase the overall stadium capacity to 40,000 people.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“Djilang Plaza is a fitting way to recognise the Wadawurrung people who have forged a connection wih this land for thousands of years, helping it become what it is today.”
“The redevelopment of Kardinia Park will transform Australia’s premier regional venue into an even greater place for sport and major events, it’s so exciting we can honour the entire community through the project.”
Quote attributable to Kardinia Park Stadium Trust Chief Executive Officer Gerard Griffin
“We are pleased to have two bespoke significant Wadawurrung artworks as part of the Djilang Plaza. The connection between community and land has been honoured and elevated through these artworks, along with the naming of the plaza – Djilang Plaza.”
Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“The word Djilang helps represent and encapsulate thousands of years of history with the Wadawurrung people in Geelong and the wider region, for it to now become synonymous with Kardinia Park for generations to come.”
Quote attributable to Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman
“Djilang Plaza will be a vibrant and welcoming space for visitors from across Australia and around the world, a perfect way for spectators to first experience Kardinia Park and learn about the Traditional Owners of the land upon which they stand, the Wadawurrung people.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George
“Djilang Plaza will be a meaningful way to honour the incredible history and legacy of the Wadawurrung people across the region, connecting locals and visitors as they come together to celebrate and enjoy events at this beautiful space.”
Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Kardinia Park has been a meeting place for thousands of years for Wadawurrung, so this naming reflects the importance of forming a brand new meeting place at Kardinia Park for everybody to enjoy.”