Award of Excellence

Acknowledgement of Aboriginal Country Signage — Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA)

Acknowledgement of Aboriginal Country Signage by Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA)

Aboriginal Nations

various

Location

South Australia

Client

Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (SA)

JURY COMMENT

Acknowledgement of Aboriginal Country Signage is a simple yet powerful gesture to acknowledge traditional owners and their Country. Located at road stops along major regional roads, the installations provide an important educational opportunity to identify the existence and diversity of Aboriginal Nations across South Australia.

The jury wished to highlight the artistic quality of each installation, as well as the importance of leadership shown through the design process. Cultural signage was not part of the original brief and its development provided a positive challenge to the state government’s traditional approach to road infrastructure.

The realization of eleven installations through authentic engagement and South Australia’s ambition to become the first state in Australia to acknowledge all of its major Aboriginal groups should be applauded. The jury encourages other states to consider how they can find ways to acknowledge the diversity of Aboriginal Nations.

Project team Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure – Paul Herzich Photographer Paul Herzich