Community celebrates opening of Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring
Published on 06 October 2025
Council is proud to celebrate the opening of Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring, the Portland Bay Dance Ground—a space where Gunditjmara stories, ceremony, and connection to Country are honoured and shared.
On Wednesday 1 October, community members gathered on the Portland Foreshore for a celebration event featuring a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, and a moving performance by Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn, a local Gunditjmara dance group.
Kardermudelar refers to Portland Bay, home to the Ure Gunditj Clan. The space was created to recognise and celebrate Gunditjmara people and culture through ceremony and gatherings, while also welcoming day-to-day enjoyment by the wider community. It offers a quiet place to gather, learn, and reflect.
The carved totem poles placed throughout the site each hold meaning, linked to Country and tradition. Positioned with intention—facing North, South, East, and West—they represent:
• Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo – Moornong Mirring (Sky Country), facing Budj Bim
• Corella – Bocara Mirring (River Country)
• Pelican – Nyamat Mirring (Sea Country)
• Whip Snake – Tungatt Mirring (Stone Country)
• Painted Quail – Bocara Wooroowarook Mirring (River Forest Country)
Audio poles have been installed in the Dance Space and at Pullumbeet playground, offering spoken descriptions of the totems as told by local youth and community members—adding another layer of storytelling and connection to place.
Mayor Karen Stephens said the celebration was a meaningful moment for the region:
“Through collaboration between Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn, Glenelg Shire Council, Winda Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, and Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly & Community Health Service, the space has been shaped with care and intention—ensuring it honours the past, embraces the present, and remains a cultural stronghold for the future.”
For formal use—such as workshops, events or school visits—a booking is required.
Learn more about Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring
Kardermudelar Karweeyn Mirring was funded by the Victorian Government's Regional Infrastructure Fund and the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program