Moira Shire Council chief executive Matthew Morgan, project manager Adele Leatham, artist Anderson Hunt, council administrator Susan Benedyka, Berrigan Shire Council chief executive Cameron Boardman and state Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy with one of the new artwork installations at Thompsons Beach.
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The natural beauty of Cobram’s Thompsons Beach has been enhanced, with new artwork installations unveiled on Thursday, October 1.
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Sculpture artist Anderson Hunt was commissioned by Moira Shire Council and Arts for All to create ‘Paddle, Drift and Glide’, a series of bronze sculptures that celebrate the strength and beauty of the Murray River and surrounds.
Mr Hunt said Thompsons Beach was a “glorious” place to visit, and it was an honour to be a part of the project.
The installations were inspired by his childhood spent camping along the Murray River, with the work portraying a goanna, rakali and koala, all under the watchful eye of the long-necked turtle, the totem of the Yorta Yorta people.
“I wanted to look at the Murray River as this incredible resource that we nurture for its future, and paddle, drift and glide are the three ways that we can do that,” Mr Hunt said.
“I don’t think I’d ever seen a koala standing on two legs until I came to Kennedy Park, and I thought, ‘What is that?’
“They’re quite amazing, and the fact that you can have these critters here in this park so close to town, with so many people using the space.
“We have the most unique Australian wildlife, and you should be proud of Thompsons Beach and Kennedy Park for what it’s providing for the public.”
One of Andrew Hunt's art installations: a koala in a paddle boat towing a turtle.
Photo by
Abby Green
The official unveiling of the artwork marks the completion of the Kennedy Park Thompsons Beach upgrade project, which was completed in two stages over several years.
The first stage of the project was a new playground and community artwork; a mosaic trail of local wildlife and fauna.
The second stage included construction of accessible footpaths, all-abilities car parking near the toilet facilities, new shade structures and additional park seating.
It also included upgraded signage, landscaping, bollards around the car park, and a significant new public artwork.
Moira Shire Council administrator Susan Benedyka said these types of improvements could have long-term economic and social benefits for the community.
“The natural beauty of the area, coupled with this redevelopment project, will ensure Thompsons Beach continues to thrive as a much-loved destination for families, locals and tourists for years to come,” she said.
“While we’re talking to the community about a new master plan to guide the future of Thompsons Beach, it’s very satisfying to finalise the previous master plan with the completion of this extensive upgrading project.”
The upgrade was jointly funded by Moira Shire and Berrigan Shire councils and the Cross Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund: COVID Recovery Round.
One of Andrew Hunt’s art installations: Goannas in a canoe.
Photo by
Abby Green
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