Aunty Kim Wandin and Christine Joy
Binak Biik, 2023
Bronze, basalt rocks and indigenous plants
With support from Sculpture Co. and Ben Courtice
Binak Biik, also known as Basket Country, is a project by Aunty Kim Wandin and Chris Joy that encourages a tactile exploration of the local landscape through woven baskets, plants and basalt rocks. The work highlights fibre and food plants including Wallaby grass (Rytidosperma caespitosum) and Kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra). These plants produce seeds (Woiwurrung - buath dirrandil) which are ground and milled into flour for damper. The basalt rocks reflect the geology of the Western Plains.
Binak Biik honours all layers of Wurundjeri Country, recognising it as a life-giver and provider. The work also acknowledges Wurundjeri women (bagurrk) as the weavers in community. The baskets are symbolic, representing the preservation of a traditional lifestyle and a resilient community. Women, as gatherers of knowledge and stories, use baskets as vessels to gather food and provide for their family. These baskets also hold babies (bubup).
The process for this sculpture began with fibre baskets woven by master weaver and Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Kim Wandin, using techniques passed down through her matrilineal heritage and rooted in deep time. The fibre baskets were then cast and transformed into bronze sculptures.
The basalt plains of Western Victoria once supported biodiverse and widespread grasslands. Due to colonisation, this ecosystem is now critically threatened, primarily because of extensive land clearing for the farming of hard-hooved animals that destroy plants and soil. Precious remnant vegetation offers shelter to endangered animal species including the Golden Sun Moth (Synemon plana) and the critically endangered plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus), both also face threats from introduced predators such as cats and foxes. Over millennia, management of the landscape by Wurundjeri people created a sustainable living landscape based on reciprocity and respect.
In addition to the grasses mentioned above, look out for these plant species between the rocks, some are rare and critically endangered. Rough Spear grass (Austrostipa scabra), Feathery Spear grass (Austrostipa elegantissima), Plains Copper-wire Daisy (Podolepis linearifolia), Woolly Buttons (Leiocarpa panaetioides), Austral Storksbill (Pelargonium australe), Pale Flax-lily (Dianella longifolia var. grandis), Matted Flax-lily (Dianella amoena) and Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium strictum).
Location: Telford Park All-Abilities Sculpture Trail, Darley
MURRI:YUL Dr Heather Threadgold and Melinda Kennedy
Brim Brim, 2022
Red gum, epoxy resin and colour pigment
In 2022, Council initiated a project to foster Indigenous cultural representation by commissioning two wooden sculptures at the Ballan and Spargo Creek mineral springs. The purpose of these artworks, named Brim Brim after the Wadawurrung term for spring waters, is to strengthen the connection between these sites and the Moorabool River, celebrating the areas Indigenous heritage. Cultural consultants MURRI:YUL created these interconnected pieces from century-old local red gum, designed to embody the natural and cultural significance of the springs and the river ecosystem.
Lukas Kasper
The Platypus River Mural, 2022
Moorabool Shire Council is pleased to have supported the Platypus River mural by Lukas Kasper through a Community Arts & Culture Grant. The mural was completed in November 2022 and can be seen at the Grant St entrance to Peppertree Park, Bacchus Marsh (approx. 55 Grant St, Bacchus Marsh). The Platypus River mural is the first artwork to be installed for the Platypus Arts Trail.
The species included in the mural are: Platypus, Bacchus Marsh Wattle, Growling Grass Frog, Purple Crowned Lorikeet, Spotted Pardalote, Damselfly, River Red Gum. All of these species occur along the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh. The shapes and colours in the mural represent some of the other local native plants found along this section of the river.
Artist: Lukas Kasper
Curator / Project Manager: Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance
Sponsors: Moorabool Shire Council, Bendigo Bank and Melbourne Water
Location: Grant St entrance to Peppertree Park, Bacchus Marsh (approx. 55 Grant St, Bacchus Marsh)
Anuradha Patel and Velislav Georgiev
Fearless, 2011
steel and concrete
Fearless, a landmark sculpture for Moorabool Shire Council’s civic hub in Darley, was inspired by the Avenue of Honour in Bacchus Marsh. Crafted from stainless steel, the collaborative work by Anuradha Patel and Velislav Georgiev, depicts shiny silver trees and a golden wedge-tailed eagle (Bunjil). The trees appear to be holding up the eagle, encouraging it to soar. Velislav, has a vivid memory of a wedge-tailed eagle (Bunjil) flying over him as he was completing the sculpture.
Location: Moorabool Shire Council Civic Hub, 182 Halletts Way, Darley
Ayob bin Ismail
The Red Dot, 2010
Spray painted steel
In 2010, during a residency with Wombat Regional Arts, Singaporean artist Ayob bin Ismail gifted Moorabool Shire Council this kinetic artwork titled The Red Dot. Made from seven geometric plates, each representing a key facet of Ballan: community, natural landscape, history, culture, arts, vibrancy and tourism. Positioned outside the Council Offices in Ballan, The Red Dot symbolises prosperity, longevity and harmony for the Shire. This name also nods to Singapore's affectionate moniker, 'little red dot', which celebrates the nation's achievements despite its limited land size.
Location: 15 Stead Street, Ballan
Peter Blizzard
Moorabool Earth Totem, 2009
steel, bronze, wood and stone
The late artist, Peter Blizzard, created Moorabool Earth Totem to capture the spirit of the Moorabool community. Located outside the Mechanics’ Institute in Ballan, Moorabool Earth Totem draws inspiration from the surrounding environment and landscape. The towering totem not only represents key geological features, such as the local waterways, rivers and mountains but also honours the people of the area. If you look closely, an outline of the You Yangs can be seen across the top of the sculpture.
Location: 143 Inglis Street, Ballan
