Artwork recognising the contributions of South Australian Aboriginal Veterans has been installed as part of a four-way intersection upgrade in the south Adelaide suburb of Panorama.
Included in the new Goodwood, Springbank and Daws roads intersection, the artwork acknowledges South Australia's Kaurna people who have and continue to serve in Australia's defence forces.
The artwork, designed by proud Kaurna, Narrunga and Ngadjuri woman Tania Taylor, features a ceremonial flame and three figures; a traditional Kaurna warrior, a soldier representing World Wars I and II and a modern-day soldier.
The word 'Mukapaanthi', Kaurna for remember, is displayed at the front of the artwork, while both the Australian and Aboriginal flags are also included in the design.
South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher said the design recognises the contributions that First Nations peoples have made in conflicts involving Australia.
"Aboriginal people have served in every conflict that Australia has been involved in and far too often have not been properly acknowledged for their service," Minister Maher said.
"This monument is another step along the way of telling the truth about our shared history.
"We are extremely proud of these soldiers, who served their country with distinction, and who will now be remembered whenever motorists pass through the intersection."
The artwork is surrounded by native plantings with landscaping in the shape of the Kaurna shield, representing the continuing connection with the hills, rocks and earth, including species associated with traditional cultural practices.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said generations of Karuna peoples are represented through the artwork.
"This powerful art feature displays both the past Kaurna warriors who watched over their land for thousands of years and the Kaurna people who have served and continue to serve Australia," Ms King said.
"The Australian Government is proud to be a major contributor to this project, which reflects the rich First Nations history and culture in the region it represents."
The artwork was commissioned as part of the $61 million intersection upgrade project jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments.
Federal Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost said the work, visible to tens of thousands on a daily basis, will remind commuters of the contribution and sacrifice made by Karuna people.
"Motorists in more than 60 thousand vehicles a day travelling past the monument will be reminded of the Kaurna people's service to Australia through many generations," Ms Miller-Frost said.
"We are extremely proud of these soldiers, and now we will remember and pay homage to them whenever we pass through the intersection."
The artwork can be found on the south-west corner of the intersection in front of Springbank Secondary College.
