Archaeology dig to support park masterplan delivery

Over the years, it’s played host to some of Australia’s biggest rock bands. The latest visitors to Stuart Park have been “digging it” in a whole different way.

Archaeologists engaged by Wollongong City Council have been digging deep for hidden treasures in preparation for the delivery of the new Stuart Park masterplan.

The park has a significant history, dating back many thousands of years, when the traditional owners, the Wadi Wadi people, used Fairy Creek and Puckeys Lagoon as a source of fresh water.

In more recent times, a colliery and tramway line skirted the park’s southern boundary, connecting mines before the parkland was handed over to council for public beautification in the 1930s.

In the nearly 90 years that followed, Stuart Park has had a number of uses. After World War II, it became a tent city, a home for thousands of migrants who travelled from Europe to make a new start in Wollongong.

For decades, it was the premier cricket ground in the region, hosting all first grade finals, and it was the home ground for Wollongong Cricket Club, before the arrival of skydiving more than 25 years ago.

Stuart Park remains one of the most-loved parkland areas in the region, hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors – many from south-west Sydney – who travel here to picnic, swim and cool off.

Until recently, it regularly hosted major music festivals, produced by the highly successful Yours and Owls organisation, but major drainage issues in the park resulted in several washouts and organisers were forced to look elsewhere.

Council has included significant improvements to Stuart Park’s drainage in its early master planning delivery program in the hope it might again become a major event venue. In fact, council has identified a second event venue in the park.

A council spokesperson said as part of the masterplan delivery, “we are undertaking some minor investigative assessments of Stuart Park. Feedback received during the masterplan process emphasised that cultural significance of Stuart Park to the local Aboriginal community as well as its long history and significance as a major recreational space.

“Council has been working with archaeological consultants and representatives from the local Aboriginal community to undertake limited geotechnical and archeological testing that will inform our future design.”

The council spokesperson said the testing was being undertaken in accordance with an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit issued under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 by Heritage NSW.

Among the first works to be completed to improve Stuart Park in line with the masterplan are a major upgrade to the shared path along the southern section of the park, an extension to the amenities block near the former Lagoon restaurant, and improvements to carpark signage and lighting.

In recognition of the significance of Stuart Park to the Aboriginal community, council is planning to create a yarning circle in a shady spot near the artificial lagoon towards the west of the park.

The construction of an all abilities playground two years ago has already proven to be a huge success.

Footnote: Despite Stuart Park’s mixed success as a music festival venue, tickets are on sale for the one-day Castaway Festival featuring Hilltop Hoods, Violent Soho and Amy Shark next March 20.