THERE’S a new artwork display around the mini golf area of BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch, and it’s all thanks to the park’s guests and a local collaboration with Dr Carla van Laar and Sonia Weston.
“BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch’s ‘Caring for Country’ initiative was inspired by our desire to foster meaningful connections between our guests, the local community, and the land on which we operate,” explained Park Manager, Kristian Nielsen.
“We wanted to celebrate the heritage and culture of the BoonWurrung people while encouraging families to appreciate and care for the natural environment. The idea grew from conversations with local community leaders and cultural educators who helped us shape a project that is both creative and impactful.”
Ingenia Holiday Parks are committed to creating spaces that bring people together and celebrate the unique stories of the places we call home.
‘Caring for Country’ aligns with their mission to connect people to their surroundings, promote environmental stewardship, and honour the cultural significance of the land. “This project embodies our values of inclusivity, community engagement, and sustainability,” Mr Nielsen said.
“BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch was the perfect choice for this initiative due to its close proximity to Barbinora Yalluk (Screw Creek), a site rich in cultural and environmental
significance. The park already has a strong connection to the local community, and its beautiful natural surroundings provided an ideal backdrop for an initiative focused on art, culture, and environmental awareness.”
Whilst the sessions hosted by Dr Carla and Sonia were exclusively for guests staying at one of the two parks, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Inverloch and Ingenia Holidays Inverloch Foreshore, the team are looking forwards to adding more artworks over the next year.
“The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Monday’s session saw a great turnout, with families, kids, and local residents
coming together to participate. The energy was incredible, and it was heartwarming to see everyone embracing the opportunity to learn, create, and connect.
“We hope families and children leave with a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the BoonWurrung people, the natural beauty of Barbinora Yalluk, and the importance of caring for the environment. The hands-on activities allow participants to feel personally invested in the space and its story.”
And according to the young participants it was a lot of fun.
“A young participant shared how much they enjoyed learning about the cultural significance of Barbinora Yalluk and how they wanted to share the story with their friends at school. Sonia and Dr Carla were moved by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children, who asked thoughtful questions about the BoonWurrung culture and eagerly engaged in the creative process,” said Mr Nielsen.
“The mural and totem poles are inspired by the natural beauty and cultural stories of Barbinora Yalluk. Through guidance from Sonia Weston, participants learned about the creek’s significance and incorporated symbols and designs that represent its unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. The vibrant artwork celebrates the connection between people, land, and water.
“We hope this is just the beginning of a lasting partnership. We’re exploring opportunities to collaborate on more projects that celebrate culture, art, and the environment. By continuing to work with local artists, educators, and community leaders, we aim to deepen the connections we’ve established and bring even more meaningful experiences to our guests and the community.”
The artwork will be installed on the big wall in the mini golf area. To preserve the artwork, Mr Nielsen and his team will spray a clear protective coating over it and have used SolarShield paint to ensure durability. The combination should help the artwork last for years to come.
