Port Wakefield’s Cultural Connection delivers landmark investment and celebrates local heritage
Port Wakefield’s Cultural Connection delivers landmark investment and celebrates local heritage
Port Wakefield is celebrating the successful delivery of a major suite of infrastructure projects designed to attract visitors off the Augusta Highway while enhancing local amenities for residents.
Known collectively as Port Wakefield’s Cultural Connection, the $2.819 million program of works was guided by community feedback and the staged delivery recommendations of the Port Wakefield Masterplan, transforming key public spaces and reinforcing the town’s cultural identity.
The projects include a significant upgrade of Edward Street and the establishment of a clearly defined town centre ($1.644 million), dredging of the tidal pool ($200,000), replacement of the tidal pool footbridge ($625,000) and establishment of the Indigenous Art Trail ($350,000).
Wakefield Regional Council contributed $700,000 toward the overall program, leveraging substantial external funding support.
This included $500,000 from the State Government’s Open Spaces and Places for People program, $1,000,000 from the Department of Primary Industries’ Enabling Infrastructure program, and a further $619,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
Council Mayor Rodney Reid said the Cultural Connection projects represent a strategic investment in Port Wakefield’s long-term future.
“These projects respond directly to what the community told us they wanted, while also positioning Port Wakefield as a place people want to stop, explore and experience,” he said.
“By improving public spaces, enhancing cultural storytelling and strengthening the town centre, we’re supporting local businesses and building civic pride.”
Winda the Owl takes centre stage
A signature feature of the Indigenous Art Trail is Winda the Owl, a large-scale sculpture now installed on the corner of Port Wakefield Highway and Edward Street.
The sculpture was designed and constructed by leading Indigenous artist Harley Hall and South Australian artist Mike McInerney, who have collaborated on numerous projects across metropolitan and regional South Australia, including the Minlacowie Water Tank on Yorke Peninsula and the Morphett Road and Anzac Highway tram bridge.
Mr Hall is a proud Ngarrindjeri, Kokatha and Wirangu man, with strong Kaurna and Narungga bloodlines.
Winda is drawn from a Narungga dreaming story, originating from the cliffs north of Ardrossan, which are visible across Gulf St Vincent from Port Wakefield.
The sculpture also incorporates materials and design elements that reflect Port Wakefield’s layered history.
Winda’s beak is made from copper, and its excavator bucket feet reference the town’s role as a working port that exported copper mined from Burra.
Headlight-style eyes acknowledge Port Wakefield’s motorsport heritage, including the 1955 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the influence of Possum Kipling through the Redex Round Australia Trials.
Feathers crafted from reclaimed windmill blades sourced from a Yorke Peninsula farm pay tribute to the region’s agricultural origins.
Mayor Reid said Winda the Owl is already becoming a recognisable landmark.
“Winda brings together Narungga culture and Port Wakefield’s working history in a way that is striking, meaningful and uniquely local,” he said.
“It’s a strong first step in what will become an engaging Indigenous Art Trail through the town.”
More to come along Edward Street
Further artworks are planned along the remainder of Edward Street as part of the art trail, including smaller sculptures at key intersections and a large mural on the former CFS station opposite the Rising Sun Hotel.
Concept designs are currently in development, with community consultation under way on the mural.
These will include characters inspired by Kaurna dreaming stories, given the town is culturally significant for both nations with the eastern boundary of the Narungga Nation Native Title Claim dissecting the town along Walters Street.
Progress is also continuing with the remaining infrastructure projects.
Council is nearing the appointment of a lead contractor for the tidal pool dredging and footbridge replacement, with an announcement expected before the end of the month.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by late October.