The Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST) is not just a pathway; it’s a journey through history and culture, weaving its way from Belmont to Blacksmiths Beach, spanning a picturesque 27km stretch. The Lake Macquarie City Council has brought this vision to life, honoring the cultural significance of the area.
As you wander along the trail, you’ll encounter artistic expressions of connection to Country and the rich heritage of Belmont. The Gunyah and Canoe installation at Awabakal Campsite stands tall, symbolizing a traditional campsite where Aboriginal communities once thrived around Belmont Lagoon. Crafted meticulously in bronze, the Gunyah shelter invites visitors to step inside, sit, and contemplate the land it stands on, while the bark canoe holds hidden stories of local fauna.
Further along the track, Fish Totems by Julie Squires and Shellie Smith pay homage to the local fish species of Belmont Lagoon, standing proudly on pylons at the track’s entry point. These bronze sculptures are a testament to the abundant life that once flourished in these waters.
The FAST doesn’t just showcase physical art; it embodies a narrative of belonging and heritage. Saretta Fielding’s project, “I am on Awabakal Country Today,” integrates the cultural knowledge of local school communities into the track’s infrastructure. The totems along the pathway symbolize the Wedge Tail Eagle, traditional resources and bush tucker, waterways and fishing, people gathering for corroborees, and a poignant legend of Belmont Lagoon being formed by the tears of the moon.
With every step along the Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track, you are not just walking; you are immersing yourself in the living history of Lake Macquarie, where the past converges with the present in a celebration of culture and connection to Country.
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