Bollards Installation
Honouring Culture and Country
In April 2017, a very special addition was made to the Kevin Hoffman Walk — a series of seven Wathaurong Glass Bollards, installed near the Walkers Road entrance. These glass artworks were created as a tribute to the Traditional Owners of the land and to celebrate the deep connection between people, place, and Country.
Each of the seven glass inlays features a symbol significant to the Wathaurong people, and collectively, they form a story that is grounded in the land where the Walk now flourishes. Flowing through each design is Hovells Creek, representing water as a source of life — a thread that connects everything.
The bollards represent:
Bunjil – the wedge-tailed eagle, creator of life for the Kulin Nation, of which the Wathaurong are a part.
People – horseshoe shapes symbolising walkers journeying along the Kevin Hoffman Walk.
Lelon – the lizard, often seen along the Walk in warmer seasons.
Goeem – the kangaroo.
Barribin – the turtle.
The Land – with the You Yangs above and Corio Bay below.
Gerrang – the gum leaf, traditionally offered when seeking passage through Country
The vision for this project came from Kevin himself, who shared:
“I went into Wathaurong Glass one day and on display I saw the beautiful glass. Many pieces had been etched with animals and other symbols of Aboriginal culture. After I came home, I kept thinking about the glass and wondered how I could incorporate it into the creek design. Then I thought if the glass could be put into a bollard, it should work well. The symbols we decided on we felt were appropriate for our region and the Kevin Hoffman Walk area.”
Thanks to an initial State Government grant aimed at improving the northern end of the Walk, enhancing signage, and encouraging community involvement, the idea was brought to life over four years with the help of dedicated volunteers and generous local sponsors.
A formal unveiling was held on Sunday 30th April 2017, led by then-President Karen Madden, with a Welcome to Country delivered by Naomi Surtees, a Traditional Owner of the Wathaurong People.
Special guests included Hon John Eren MP, Hon Richard Marles MP, Kevin and Beverley Hoffman, their daughters Joanne and Roslyn, committee members, sponsors, and many supporters of the Walk. The celebration featured live music by local artists, a relaxed atmosphere, and a shared afternoon of wine and cheese, kindly supported by Block 78.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the individuals, community groups, and sponsors who helped bring this vision to life:
Lino Bisinella
Lara Dental
Ray White Lara
Ingenia Lifestyles
PARCOR
Block 78
Lara & District Men’s Shed
Lions Club of Lara
BKM Engineering
And the City of Greater Geelong for their ongoing support
This project is a beautiful example of community, culture, and creativity coming together — and a fitting tribute to both Kevin’s vision and the Traditional Owners of the land.
Next time you visit, take a moment to pause at the bollards and reflect on the stories they hold.
