​​Foreshore upgrades arrive in Portland​

27/08/2025

Gunditjmara Traditional Owners have a new ceremonial dance space as part of new foreshore upgrades in Portland where they can dance, gather, celebrate and share their culture.

The upgrades are designed to make Portland more culturally connected and accessible than ever before. It provides a dedicated area to share Portland’s Indigenous culture, helping teach the community and visitors about cultural heritage in Portland.

Gunditjmara Dance Group Koondoom Yarkeen Karweeyn and other Traditional Owner groups and organisations across the Portland area collaborated on its design.

The space is inspired by the Gunditjmara culture and the coastal environment. It features a basalt coolamon and totem poles to showcase local wildlife and will be used for cultural ceremonies, education, community workshops and truth telling.

New lights have also been added along the 1.3-kilometre pedestrian pathway as part of the foreshore upgrades. This will improve visibility and allow locals to navigate the foreshore area with confidence and a greater sense of security.

Thanks to the lighting upgrades, the pathway is now paving the way for locals and visitors to keep active and take in the sights of the foreshore at any time of the day or night.

Both the dance space and lighting are part of Glenelg Shire Council’s Portland Foreshore Masterplan, which aims to transform Portland’s waterfront into a vibrant community destination and tourism hub.