Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track

The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) is a shared pathway linking the end of the Fernleigh Track at Belmont with Blacksmiths Beach, creating a 27km active transport route from Murrays Beach to Adamstown.

FAST transverses culturally and historically significant parts of Belmont, including Belmont Lagoon, and a series of public artworks along the route express connection to Country and the area's cultural significance.

This project was commissioned by Lake Macquarie City Council, co-founded by the area's cultural significance 

Aunty Daniella Chedzey, Julie Squires, Shellie Smith, Luke Russel, Theo Russel, Lee Lazarevic, Scott Luschwitz, and Rhall Smith, Gunyah and Canoe, 2024

Awabakal Campsite acknowledges the life and culture of the Aboriginal people who gathered and lived in and around the Belmont Lagoon. 

The bronze Gunyah shelter alongside the bronze canoe represents a traditional campsite, as this site is an important site for the Aboriginal community as well as an annual corrobboree site.

Cast in enduring bronze, from traditionally made and historical objects, this artwork is a lasting reminder of the Awabakal people's ongoing connection to place and country. The Gunyah shelter is formed from a framework of branches and its structure invites those to enter, sit, and reflect on country. The bark canoe features hidden fauna waiting to be discovered. The hearth and stones pay homage to those who have gathered in this place before us. 

The creation of the Awabakal campsite canoe was a collaboration with our local Aboriginal community in consultation with local Aboriginal Land Council Bahtabah. This project was led by Awabakal descendent Shellie Smith, the canoe was hand made with local bark and cast in bronze.

Julie Squires and Shellie Smith, Fish Totems, 2024

These large bronze fish totems were created by Aboriginal elder Daniella Chedzey with Shellie Smith. Aunty Daniella is a master weaver, and these fish represent the local fish species from the Belmont lagoon. They are placed on two pylons at the beginning of the track on the northern section of the shared pathway.

Saretta Fielding, I am on Awabakal Country Today

School communities in the south-east of Lake Macquarie were invited to participate in a series of workshops with Saretta Fielding, exploring their connection to country and cultural knowledge through listening, sharing, drawing, artmaking and reflection. Saretta then translated the students' artworks into designs which have been incorporated into the physical infrastructure of the "Moon" viewing platform and signage for the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track.

Ring 1 Awabakal Totem

Soaring high above the coastline and over the land of Awabakal, the Wedge Tail Eagle is held as the highest totem for the tribal groups running down the East Coast of Australia. Dreamtime stories of the strong and powerful Eagle acknowledge this majestic bird as a protector of cultural and Aboriginal traditions.

Ring 2 Traditional Resources Animals and Bush Tucker

Bush tucker in and around Belmont lagoon was plentiful. The freshwater lagoon set between Ninkinpa (Lake Macquarie) and the sea, providing the Awabakal people with a wide abundance of bush tucker, animals and seafood.

Wing 3 Waterways and Fishing

Life on the water was enjoyed by Awabakal people with the many water ways of the area providing many fish varieties

Ring 4 People Gathering & Corroboree

The lagoon was a gathering place for the Awabakal people. A place to live, gather and hold ceremony.

Ring 5 Belmont Lagoon - When the Moon Cried

Awabakal lore refers to the moon as Pontoe-Boong and the sun as Punnai. Pontoe-Boong was very jealous of Punnai because he had to make the long journey through the sky in darkness, only to have his full face seen from time to time, whereas Punnai could show her face every day. He was so sad that he withdrew into total darkness and began to cry. Over time his tears created a deep lagoon at Belmont. He thrilled to see his reflection in the water and called out to the people to tell them that he had come to bring the joy. Pontoe-Boong was at peace afterwards. He never forgot the people of the lagoon and whenever he passed he shone his brightest.