The Wauchope Riverside Bicentenary Sculptural Trail, located at Rocks Ferry Reserve was severely impacted in the March 2021 flood events, destroying some of the project sites.
Yapang Bila Yapun.yapun is the Birpai name given to the new Wauchope Bicentenary Riverside Sculptural Trail, set on the Hastings River, winding its way along Rocks Ferry Road and Reserve.
The project was funded with a $196,140 grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
The Trail encompasses four art installations that were inspired by cultural, environmental and historical aspects of the Wauchope region.
The Trail presents a unique opportunity to tell community stories in a creative, respectful manner, resulting in a legacy to the Wauchope community.
We have received an overwhelming number of responses from local and interstate artists through a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process. A panel of local community representatives reviewed the EOI submissions against pre-determined selection criteria, through which the artwork for each project site was selected.
Public art can stimulate thinking, deepen sense of place and transform how we engage with spaces. Public art offers broad community benefit as a platform for civic engagement. It is the most democratic of art forms given its availability to all as a conduit and focus for public spaces. It may engage residents and visitors in conversations – from understanding historical and cultural backgrounds, to driving attachment to place and social cohesion. It tells stories about who we are and where we live. It sends messages to both local people and visitors that we care about this place - our place.
This project, like much of the region, was severely affected by the flood events of March 2021. Two of the projects installations were destroyed, information on these works are referenced below.
Rocks Ferry Rd, Rocks Ferry Reserve, Wauchope 2446 View Map
Rocks Ferry Rd, Rocks Ferry Reserve , Wauchope 2446
Marine Intersection - bridge pylons mural by Manning Daly Art
Meeting at the River - sculpture installation by Antone Bruinsma
The Fishing Tale - fishing table and light pole by Francessca O’Donnell, assisted by Gaye White & Nick Juric This work was lost in the flood event.
The Waymarker - sculpture installation by John Van Der Kolk
Zoetrope - sculpture installation by Stephen Gale
Dhoongong - sculpture under construction. Designed by Jo Davidson. This work was lost in the floods.
A Reference Group of local stakeholders informed project delivery and included representatives of the:
We acknowledge the artist and project teams whose art was destroyed in the floods and the many hours of work to deliver such a wonderful project.