Kaurna Learning Circle

Karra Wirraparinangku

The new entrance from the River footbridge is called Karra Wirraparinangku (From the Red Gum Forest River) and is an acknowledgement and celebration of the Kaurna people, culture and country.

Upon entering the North Terrace campus from Victoria drive, visitors will be greeted by a Welcome to Country statement in Kaurna language and a cultural space that aims to connect the campus physically and spiritually with the Karrawirra Pari (River Torrens). 

A meeting place and cultural and ceremonial space, the Kaurna Learning Circle entrance is marked by the Kaurna language set into paving, and framed by Wangu Pole art installation. It was developed as part of our Reconciliation Action Plan – Yangadlitya (For the Future) 2019-2021 and in partnership with Wirltu Yarlu.

Wangu poles

This art installation was designed by Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri artist Paul Herzich and consists of wangu (seven) large aluminium poles, laser cut with thousands of hand-drawn circles to tell an ancient Kaurna story of the relationship between the Wardlipari (the milky way) and the Karrawirra pari (River Torrens). For thousands of years the Kaurna people have used the Karrawirra pari to sustain their way of life. This artwork embodies traditional ritual knowledge of the Kaurna community.

The poles create a new entrance statement for the northern entrance to campus and can be seen from the other side of the river, and at the top of the red brick stairs day and night.

Kaurna Learning Circle 

A Kaurna Learning Circle has been built to the east of the new entrance as a place for ceremony, cultural exchanges and learning. In the earthy brick paving, a welcome to the Learning Circle can be found, "Marni naa pudni tirka kurruru-ana" (good you all come to learning circle). The circle contains a corten steel fire pit for ceremonial use with the pattern of the Karrawirra pari engraved. Stone seating is provided along one side of the Learning Circle with back rests to accommodate Elders and senior representatives for cultural events. A steel shade structure partly covers the Learning Circle and is inscribed with a welcome to country, "Kaurna miyruna wangkanthi marni naa pudni, Kaurna yarta-ana"(Kaurna people say good you all come to Kaurna country). The design of the shade structure is based on the water and driftwood in the river. The structure contains integrated lighting, wifi and power for everyday use and events. In event mode, seating can be arranged around the circle and extend on to the Barr Smith Lawns.

Reconciliation garden

Behind the Learning Circle is a new garden with circular stone seating disks, compacted sand and garden beds with specific trees and shrubs from Kaurna country.