Mount Gambier’s Police Station has a new cultural addition, with the construction of a yarning circle.

The yarning circle’s construction was approved by Boandik Elders through the Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation which will ensure it is culturally appropriate.

The name of the yarning circle will be yarning circle – Ngathuwi Boandiku Mraatu.

The name comes from a mix of English and Bunganditij languages and translates to yarning circle – We are on Boandik Country.

The ‘Yarning circle – Ngathuwi Boandiku Mraatu’ is a project which is culturally significant and will see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island youth who are part of the South Australian Aboriginal Secondary Training Academy (SAASTA) through Grant and Mount Gambier High Schools work alongside SAPOL, as well as local companies OneFortyOne, Gambier Earth Movers and Bunnings in the construction process.

Construction started on the yarning circle on Friday, with it located in front of the Mount Gambier police station on the lawn area to provide a welcoming culturally inclusive area for both indigenous and non-indigenous police as well as the community to connect, pause and reflect.

The space will allow respectful communication through discussion, sharing of culture, knowledge, ideas, experiences and education and help to build strong relationships and mutual respect for one another.

Police will utilise the space during breaks for leisure, which will assist in the management of health and wellbeing, for leadership discussion and by community for SAPOL led gatherings particularly during First Nations dates of significance and celebrations.

The yarning circle will be built to a high standard, with various community businesses contributing their time, expertise, machinery and materials to help build it.

The official opening of ‘Yarning Circle – Ngathuwi Boandiku Mraatu’ will be held on August 25 with a smoking ceremony by Uncle Doug Nicholls and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens in attendance.