Interpretive Signage Installed at Yallarwah Park

NACCAi is excited to announce the installation of 4 new interpretive signs at Yallarwah Park, the final stage in a series of recent upgrades made possible through a 2022 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund. 

This new signage is designed to complement the recently completed 260-meter fitness walking track, which weaves through the park’s natural surroundings. Other recent improvements include a covered picnic table and two outdoor exercise stations - one at each end of the park.

Aiming to enhance the overall experience of Yallarwah Park, the signs offer residents and visitors an opportunity to learn about the unique history, cultural heritage and rich biodiversity of the North Arm Cove, Carrington and Tahlee area. 

Each of the four signs is double-sided, displaying different content depending on which direction visitors are walking. As people stroll through the park, they’ll learn about various topics that bring the area to life, including:

1. An Acknowledgement of Country – Recognising the Worimi People and providing insights into the Aboriginal heritage of the region and their enduring connection to the land.
2. Wildlife of North Arm Cove – Discover the local fauna, including koalas, red-necked wallabies, echidnas, and lace monitors, all of which can be spotted around the Cove.
3. History of European Settlement – Brief overview of European arrival in Port Stephens, including the Australian Agricultural Company’s role in the area’s development.
4. Native Wildflowers – A showcase of some of the wildflower species that bloom around the Cove, celebrating the local flora.
5. Port Stephens City – Learn about Walter Burley Griffin’s ambitious city plan for North Arm Cove and the history behind the area's urban design.
6. Ecological Diversity – Explore the plant communities and ecosystems that thrive in North Arm Cove, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
7. Paper subdivision – The  story of the North Arm Cove paper subdivision and 'non urban' area, its changing land uses over time and Council's current rezoning plans towards greater environmental protection.
8. Birdlife of the Cove – An insight into the many and varied bird species that inhabit the Cove, including glossy black cockatoos and white-bellied sea eagles. 

The goal of these signs is not only to enhance the park’s ambiance but also to encourage a deeper connection with the local environment, making Yallarwah Park a place of learning, reflection, and enjoyment for all.

A special thanks to Signwave in Newcastle for their excellent work on printing the signs, to Bob Reid and John Kugel for researching and designing the signs, to Jonathan Horton, Collin McFarland, Darrall Thompson, Rob van Zandvliet, and John Kugel for their help with installation. 

Also, thanks to Paul Callaghan for contributing a Worimi perspective on connection to country and to Dave Feeney and the Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council for their knowledge sharing and contributing Ghattung langue to this project. 

The community is invited to visit Yallarwah Park, take a stroll around the fitness track, enjoy the exercise equipment and take the opportunity to learn about the fascinating natural and cultural heritage of North Arm Cove.