The Lakes Entrance community came together on Saturday 1 February as a 70-strong crowd of locals, business owners and project contributors - including artists and developers - celebrated the official opening of three major foreshore projects: Krauatungalung Walk Stage 1, Lakes Foreshore Park and Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion.

With a total investment of more than $3.5 million, these initiatives are designed to enhance the town's appeal for tourists while also enriching community spaces.  

Mayor Cr John White, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) representatives and artists who created works for the projects were among those at the event, with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony performed by artist, storyteller and educator Alfie Hudson.

Krauatungalung Walk pays tribute to Aboriginal people and their enduring connection to the region. It features a garden showcasing Aboriginal cultural heritage and storytelling including a sculpture featuring Gunaikurnai creators Borun the pelican and Tuk the musk duck, expertly created by Deb Milligan and Colin Little at Gippsland studio Little Milligan, and an all-abilities boardwalk linking Cunninghame Arm with the town centre. Additional Indigenous heritage and storytelling components will be included in the next stages of Krauatungalung Walk. 

Lakes Foreshore Park is an inclusive and visually appealing play space, incorporating nature-inspired designs. The park includes accessible play equipment, a water-play zone, picnic table and shelters, and promenade seating.  

Lakes Entrance Water Sports Pavilion, sited along the Krauatungalung Walk, offers seating, shade, and a staff room and storage for Lakes Entrance Aqua Park. The limestone pavilion supports recreational and sporting activities at the water’s edge, further enhancing the town’s appeal as a destination for locals and tourists alike.

The projects have been delivered in partnership with the Australian Government; the Victorian Government (Lakes Entrance Foreshore Park funding from its 2020-2021 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund); the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC); and local contractors.  

These additions to the Lakes Entrance foreshore provide long-term benefits, foster greater inclusivity, accessibility, and tourism opportunities, providing an economic boost for the town and region.

For further details about the projects, visit Council’s YourSay website.

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