The new Eltham Gateway sculpture is providing a warm welcome to Nillumbik following its official launch yesterday.
Drivers coming home at dusk last night would have seen the artwork on Main Road lit up for the first time.
Nillumbik’s Mayor Ben Ramcharan, Deputy Mayor Geoff Paine, Councillors, Eltham MP Vicki Ward, representatives from Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV), the Southern Gateway Renewal Group and community members were on hand to see the official plaque unveiling and switching on of the sculpture lights.
The eye-catching public artwork was created by local artist Maureen Faye-Chauhan and celebrates the Shire’s unique bushland and acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
The lighting’s warm glow provides an interesting play of light and shadow on the weathering steel structure and there will be opportunities to use different colours to commemorate special occasions.
Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Gail Smith named the piece ‘Gunga winhanga warr bundha ba winhanga warr djurring’ in Woi wurrung language, meaning ‘Take what you need and not what you greed’.
Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Colin Hunter Jr began last night’s event with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony.
Mayor Ben Ramcharan congratulated Maureen Faye-Chauhan on her inspiring work.
“The sculpture is carefully positioned to evolve with the surroundings as the shadows of the gum trees drift across its surface throughout the day,” Cr Ramcharan said.
“Its orientation provides different viewing experiences from multiple directions whether driving in or out of Eltham, or riding or walking by on the trail.”
Deputy Mayor Geoff Paine said the sculpture launch was the culmination of a long and successful collaboration between the Victorian Government, Council and community on the wider Eltham Gateway Project and thanked everyone for their involvement.
“This is a lasting legacy for our community to enjoy. It’s a beautiful work that creates a sense of arriving in a special place,” Cr Paine said.
Alec Say, MRPV Senior Manager for the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade, said “I’m delighted to see Maureen’s striking sculpture be brought to life through light, as a permanent creative attraction that complements our suburb’s already stunning natural environment.”
Maureen Faye-Chauhan, who has works in the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris and the National Gallery of Australia, said it had been wonderful for her sculpture to have such a warm welcome from the community.
Now the community is invited to join Maureen on a free tour and talk to learn more about the story and inspiration behind the sculpture on Saturday 24 June, 2pm-3pm. Places are limited so please reserve your spot at Eventbrite.
Pictured: Top row: MRPV Senior Manager for the Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade Alec Say, Cr Frances Eyre, Deputy Mayor Geoff Paine, Cr Natalie Duffy. Front row: Uncle Coline Hunter Jr, Mayor Ben Ramcharan, artist Maureen Faye-Chauhan, Eltham MP Vicki Ward and Sue Dyet from the Southern Gateway Renewal Group.
