Moorabool Council is launching two new sculptures at Ballan and Spargo Creek Mineral Springs and the community is invited to join the celebrations and sculpture unveiling.
The two sculptures and interpretive signage have been commissioned by Council to support Indigenous cultural interpretation of the mineral springs sites. The sculptures reflect the ecological and cultural values of the mineral springs and the Moorabool River.
The unveiling will take place at Spargo Creek Mineral Springs on Tuesday, April 4 from 11am and will include a smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country by Wadawurrung traditional owners.
Cultural consultants MURRI:YUL designed the three-metre tall sculptures that are made from locally sourced redgum and feature Wadawurrung language in the interpretive signage.
MURRI:YUL co-director Dr Heather Threadgold said the sculptures provide a greater sense of place for visitors by aiding their understanding and awareness of the diverse values of the mineral springs, the traditional role of mineral water and the significance of these places to Traditional Owner groups and the continued importance within the local environment.
“Having a visual representation of culture and place helps to embrace and understand layers of connection to those sites and to waterways and to make an inviting place for everybody,” she said.
“The sculptures really fit into the natural environment there’s been thought about where they’re placed and the natural materials used,
“It has been a good team effort and we hope people enjoy it,” she said.
Mayor Cr Rod Ward said the Moorabool community is “unbelievably lucky” to have natural assets enhanced through public artwork that “engages community members and fosters a sense of civic pride and belonging”.
“These new sculptures reflect the diverse ecologies of First Peoples lands and are a wonderful acknowledgement of the Shire’s Indigenous culture,” he said.
