Ewen McRae
Visitors to Rockbank station are now getting a more colourful welcome, with the unveiling of a mosaic sign last week.
The work of artist Stavroula Gouros, the sign includes local volcanic rocks as well as indigenous art designed by a local Aboriginal elder which draws on both past and present aspects of the community.
“All of the tiles have a meaning for Rockbank,” Gouros said.
“We focused on the past, present and future for this, and I’m so honoured to be a part of this. To see it here after all the hard work of the community is just fantastic.”
Among the images depicted are a ram (for the local football club), local wildlife, a lion (for the lion park that used to exist in the area) and, of course, a train.
More than 200 locals participated in surveys and community discussions and workshops about the sign, with more than 80 directly involved in its creation.
The mosaic was created with support from V/Line and Djerriwarrh Health Services.
DHS chief executive Belinda Scott said it was a way of uniting the growing community
“The community wanted to use the sign as a way of uniting people from the surrounding areas,” she said.
“The location of the train station was seen as a very important space that the community connected with and that was central to new and existing developments.”
“As the local health service provider, we are very happy to be able to support the local community and watch their ideas come to life, for them to literally put their fingerprints on something to beautify and celebrate the local community.”
