19 December 2023
Bayside Council has transformed a vacant site in Wolli Creek into a vibrant recreational park that has been opened to the community.
The park features shaded play spaces for all ages, picnic shelter and tables, multi-purpose active space with basketball hoops, seating, fitness equipment, a ping pong table, charging ports, grassed areas for informal games and picnicking, landscaping, lighting, and footpath improvements to Mt Olympus Drive.
The land was transformed into a park after Property and Development NSW improved the former NSW Government-owned site and worked closely with the council on an outcome that would support the delivery of a new park.
Bayside Council purchased the land in Guess Avenue from the NSW Government and the park was designed with input from residents.
“The new park is a welcome addition to Wolli Creek and will give residents access to open space for generations to come,” Mayor Bill Saravinovski said.
The proposed name, approved by Council and referred to the Geographical Names Board, is Dharaggang Park.
Dharaggang, a local Dharawal word for river, was endorsed by the RAP working group as the most appropriate name due to the significance of the river to Aboriginal communities.
Council commissioned artists Maddison Gibbs and Jason Wing to create a mural on the 9m high wall at the northern boundary of the park that brings First Nations art to the heart of Bayside and gives the park a splash of colour.
Titled ‘Reflection’, the artists responded to stories by Aunty Barb Simms that explore how the river provides, the river transports and the river is time, and have created a mural that highlights the significant Aboriginal heritage around Wolli Creek
It is understood that four different clans lived around the river, including the Darug, Bidjigal, Gameygal and Cadigal people.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the new park was a wonderful gift for the local community.
“This is a great example of repurposing an unused NSW government-owned site into vital green space that will serve this wonderful community,” Mr Kamper said.
“Wolli Creek is one of the fastest growing communities in Sydney, and it is important that any increase in residential development is supported with quality public open spaces such as this.
“I thank both Property and Development NSW and Bayside Council for their outstanding collaboration in delivering this park for the people of Wolli Creek.”