Cadigal were pleased to be invited by Sheldon to a Reconciliation Week Walk and Talk at the Coal Loder, Balls Head.
Once an important gathering place for the Cammeraygal Aboriginal Clan, the area was saved by North Sydney Council in 1926 and made a public park which protected the area, restricting it from being developed.
Rock engravings were first recorded in the 1840’s but were later buried during the construction of the Coal Loader in the 1900’s. A large engraving of a whale or shark and an extensive group of smaller engravings were rediscovered, however, during recent archaeological excavation works.
In 2011, the area was rehabilitated with native plantings and pathways. A freshwater wetland ecosystem was re-established to encourage frogs, turtles, water dragons, ducks and macroinvertebrates to increase the biodiversity in the area.
Natural rock overhangs provided shelter and a place to make art. Two natural estuaries offer ample fishing opportunities.
For more information, please visit Aboriginalheritage.org. Thank you to Sheldon for inviting us on a great, educational activity.