Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher officially opened the latest sculpture acquired for the Batemans Bay Sculpture Walk on Thursday 20 November.
‘Weed’ by Bega sculptor Richard Moffatt was installed near the corner of Bavarde Avenue and Beach Road. There is now 15 sculptures along the foreshore walk that stretches from the Batemans Bay bridge to Batehaven.
It is the sixth sculpture gifted to Eurobodalla Council by the Sculpture for Clyde event committee.
Each year the committee acquires the event’s winning sculpture for installation along the sculpture walk, with Eurobodalla Council covering installation costs.
Committee members and sponsors of Sculpture for Clyde sponsors, Batemans Bay Chamber and Council representatives watched as Mayor Mathew Hatcher revealed the plaque at the base of the sculpture.
“It’s unfortunate artist Richard Moffatt is not here for the reveal; we can assure him this piece of striking art is a wonderful addition to the sculpture walk and the Bay’s landscape,” Mayor Hatcher said.
“The Sculpture for Clyde Committee have gifted our community another amazing sculpture and our sculpture walk is really starting to rival some of the best in the world.”
The 2024 prize now stands at $100,000, the equal largest acquisitive sculpture award in Australia.
Batemans Bay Sculpture Committee representative David McLachlan thanked all of the small business and the community who made this sculpture a reality.
“We thank everyone who got behind this. No public money is used for the award, rather the sculptures are acquired using sponsorships and event-generated income,” he said.
“This new acquisitive award sculpture will be an impressive addition to the sculpture walk and will continue to bring more visitors to the area. We see the Batemans Bay sculptures all over social media and that’s really gratifying for us.
“The aesthetic appeal of ‘Weed’ adds to the visual and online appeal of the entire sculpture walk and will be a great addition to the cultural landscape of Eurobodalla Shire.”
