Between December 2022 and March 2023 Council undertook community consultation.
We asked the Victorian Aboriginal community, most importantly the Stolen Generations and their families about three potential locations for the Marker, and how the location should feel and be used. The consultation involved workshops, surveys and interviews. Participants engaged in the community consultation across all three methods.
The City of Melbourne plays a key role as the Capital city of Victoria, as such the community workshops were held in the following locations:
- Darebin (Greater Melbourne)
- Caroline Springs (Greater Melbourne)
- Geelong
- Ballarat
- Shepparton.
The outcome of the consultation showed a strong preference from Stolen Generations and Aboriginal Community for Peppercorn Lawn, important factors included the cultural significance of the river and its prominent location in the City. Alexandra Gardens was once in the flood plain of the river, with intermittent billabongs, and offers a peaceful space for reflection.
Council has resolved to place the Stolen Generations Maker in Peppercorn Lawn, Alexandra Gardens.
On this page you can view a virtual tour guide video and a written site guide for the three locations.
You can also download a hard copy of the site locations and images (PDF 10.62MB).
Select each tab to learn more about the proposed sites.
Site 1
Parliament Gardens (Site 1)
Location: 489/531 Albert Street, East Melbourne
Site Features: Parliament Gardens is on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD. Two of the gardens’ main features are a memorial in bronze to Pastor Sir Douglas Nicholls and Lady Gladys Nicholls (renowned Aboriginal activists and community leaders), and a large fountain (Coles Fountain).
It is a small grassy triangular garden with established trees and flower beds. It is bound Albert Street and Spring Street and a large area of private parklands.
Coles Fountain is designed to encourage people to the park on hot days. Adults and children can walk among the water sprays to cool down. The fountain is illuminated purple on National Sorry Day, the 26th of May.
The site is next to Parliament House and the Old Treasury Building. St Peter's Eastern Hill Anglican Church is on the corner of Albert Street.
The garden is on the NAIDOC Route March and is in close proximity to Fitzroy. It is considered one of the most important civic locations within the city with state-wide significance.
Public transport and amenities: The site is close to public transport with Parliament Station and the Nicholson Street accessible tram stop directly adjacent.
There is limited on-street parking and privately run carparks within walking distance.
Site 2
Treasury Gardens ('Western Lawn') (Site 2)
Location: 2-18 Spring Street, East Melbourne
Site features: Western Lawn sits within Treasury Gardens, a large, well-established park on the edge of Melbourne’s CBD.
Share the Spirit Festival has previously been held there every 26 January, showcasing music by Aboriginal artists.
Treasury Gardens has many mature trees forming avenues along pathways that separate several lawns.
Western Lawn is lined by trees and is on an east-facing gentle slope. It features an old River Red Gum. Treasury Gardens has several memorials. From the Western Lawn there are glimpses of the ornamental lake, which forms part of the JFK Memorial.
Treasury Gardens is next to the Old Treasury Building and within walking distance from Parliament House. Western Lawn is relatively protected from views of the Old Treasury Building and traffic noise.
The primary use of Treasury Gardens is passive recreation and a range of varied scale events. It is also a venue associated with gathering for rallies and protest. The location provides a generous open green space in an important civic location.
Public transport and amenities: The site is close to public transport. Parliament Station is nearby and accessible tram stops along Flinders Street and Collins Street, as well as non-accessible stops on Wellington Parade. The Lansdowne Street / Wellington Parade tram stop is adjacent to the gardens.
There is some on-street parking immediately next to the site on Spring Street and Wellington Parade, and several private carparks in the vicinity.
There are also public toilets in the north-east corner of Treasury Gardens.
Site 3
Peppercorn Lawn - Alexandra Gardens (Site 3)
Council has resolved to place the Stolen Generations Maker in Peppercorn Lawn, Alexandra Gardens.
Location: St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Site features: Peppercorn Lawn is on the edge of Yarra River and sits within Alexandra Gardens.
Alexandra Gardens is home to Moomba and many major outdoor events including fun runs and Midsumma Festival.
Alexandra Gardens is connected to Kings Domain, Domain Parklands and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. It features palm trees, ornamental shrubs and tree-lined avenues.
Peppercorn Lawn sits between Princes Bridge and the rowing-boat houses. Set beneath the street level of St Kilda Road, it is a light, open lawn and relatively protected from the street noise of the city.
On the opposite bank of the river is Birrarung Marr, home to Birrarung Wilam – an installation celebrating Victoria's Aboriginal cultures, Federation Square and the Koorie Heritage Trust.
The Capital City Trail passes through Peppercorn Lawn, along the river edge connecting to Southbank Promenade and the Arts Precinct on the other side of St Kilda Road. The Lawn is within walking distance of the Riverslide Skate Park.
Part of a busy and connected area of the city, the location is an accessible space beside the river.
Public transport and amenities: The site is accessible by pedestrian paths from St Kilda Road and close to public transport such as tram stops along St Kilda Road and nearby Flinders Street Station.
There is public parking along Boathouse Drive, and permit managed parking behind the boat sheds.
Disabled access provision public toilets are available at Boathouse Drive next to Riverslide Park (350m east) and on Southbank Promenade (450m west). Drinking fountains, seating, barbeque facilities and accessible paths are also nearby.
The survey
The following survey sought the views of the Victorian Aboriginal Community including those who are of the Stolen Generations and their families.
