Implementation of directional signage around the site is underway to help visitors navigate the landscape and it includes Kaurna place names with their English translations. Play items have started appearing around the nature playground, including rock climb, timber drums, rope obstacles and swings.
Work on the Elders precinct within the site has begun which includes a priority car park being prepared, and the earth mounding for Purkarla-ityangka (Elders place) overlooking Pari Witungka (river reed place) on the shoreline.
For the physical building, ceilings and internal cladding are well advanced, with concrete grinding and polishing underway in Building A. Spotted gum timber cladding is also making its way all around the building and slate paving inside and around and the building. The durable and strong stone has a distinctive blue/grey colour, and is quarried and processed in Mintaro, in the mid north of South Australia.
Recently, a group of year 10 students from Seaton High School visited the site to learn about working in the construction industry and the training pathways available to them. Our partners SARAH Constructions also hosted Masters students from Adelaide University studying Construction Management, and in the coming weeks students from Tauondi College in Port Adelaide will visit the site.
Signs of life
Signs of life are emerging as the landscape design, centered around native plant species naturally suited to the local climate and soil conditions, show wildlife embracing a re-established ecosystem.
A pair of parrots have made one of the newly installed nesting boxes their home. These boxes, along with 10 others scattered across the landscape, provide safe spaces for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals. In addition, 16 bat boxes have been strategically placed to support the nocturnal creatures that play a vital role in the area's natural pest control. This careful planning within Yitpi Yartapuultiku promotes resilience within the ecosystem, making it better equipped to withstand environmental changes and fostering a more sustainable future for Port Adelaide and a public space brimming with natural beauty and biodiversity.
Model on display
Our partners in designing Yitpi Yartapuultiku Ashley Halliday Architects and Wax in conjunction with Make Models have created a model of the final Yitpi Yartapuultiku design.
Made from three pieces of solid wood, the model took eight hours to carve and over 250 hours to construct.
The waste from the wood carving was used on site at Yitpi Yartapuultiku for texturing the landscape. To check out this amazing piece of art visit the Port Adelaide Library on Church Street to see it in person.
For more photos and information visit the Yitpi Yartapuultiku project page to subscribe for updates.