The delivery of the new public artwork for the Eltham Gateway marks an important milestone for the major project.
The sculpture was lowered into position by crane on Monday, nestled between the Manna Gums on Main Road, and remains under wraps while installation works including lighting is completed on site.
The sculpture, which is made of weathering steel, has been created by Nillumbik artist Maureen Faye-Chauhan and intended to celebrate the Shire’s unique bushland and acknowledge the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people.
Wurundjeri Elders have chosen the title for the sculpture, ‘Gunga winhanga warr bundha ba winhanga warr djurring’ in traditional Woi wurrung language, meaning ‘Take what you need and not what you greed’.
Deputy Mayor and Wingrove Ward Councillor Geoff Paine was on site on Monday to see the sculpture delivered to its final resting place.
“As soon as it was in place, you could immediately see that delicate play of light and shadow through the multifaceted steel structure. It’s a truly beautiful piece of work,” Cr Paine said.
The sculpture delivery comes as landscaping and rehabilitation works continue on the south side of Main Road with new trees and vegetation planted. Paths and boardwalks have been finished and seating installed. All the timber and mulch used in the works have been repurposed from the pine trees removed from the site.
On Wednesday, students from Eltham High School, Eltham East Primary School and Eltham Primary School took part in a planting day with Eltham MP Vicki Ward.
“The whole project is really taking shape and is looking better than we could have ever imagined – it’s going to be a wonderful new green area for the community to explore,” Cr Paine added.
The Eltham Gateway Project is a collaboration between Council, Major Road Projects Victoria, Eltham MP Vicki Ward and community group The Southern Gateway Renewal Group.
The landscaping works have been undertaken by local company ID Landscaping.
