Dreaming work to transform Sand Rd
A 7.5 metre high public artwork sculpture titled “Ancestors Dreaming” is set to transform the Sand Rd freeway interchange at Longwarry.
The sculpture was designed by artist Julie Squires in collaboration with Kurnai artist Colin Hood and pays tribute to Gippsland’s Kurnai people.
It was funded by a $100,000 grant from VicRoads. The public art commission project has been dubbed the “Entrance to Gippsland” and aims to create a visual symbolic display welcoming travellers through the gateway into the Gippsland region.
Baw Baw Shire, in partnership with VicRoads was instrumental in getting this project off the ground by facilitating the expressions of interest, developing a selection panel and commissioning the artwork.
The selection panel, including representatives from VicRoads, Baw Baw Shire, council’s Arts and Cultural Advisory Committee and the Kurnai community, narrowed down six expressions of interest before awarding the project.
Artist Julie Squires said she wanted to design an iconic image that will honour the country’s heritage whilst welcoming the future.
“This is a sculpture drawn directly from the story and symbolism of the local people. Whilst this symbolism speaks of the creation of the Kurnai people, its beauty and dramatic silhouette will resonate with all its viewers,” Ms Squires said.
“The linear stylistic form of the sculpture has a two-fold intention. It incorporates the sky into the design, creating a contemporary reading of the historic motifs, whilst physically allowing air to pass through the significantly scaled structure.
The base of the sculpture will contain the words “Welcome to Country” in Kurnai language reading as “Werna Ta-ker-ter Kee-kala Kurnai Wruk”.
“This icon will demarcate the entrance to Gippsland unlike any other community gateway.
With the design now finalised, the second stage of the project involves fabrication, installation and final safety checks upon completion. This is anticipated to occur over the coming months.
Kevin Rickwood was elected secretary and Ivan Standen was elected treasurer.
Mr Watts is also centre manager, while purchasing officer is John Martin and auditor is Neville Cousins.
Commitee member Brian Milner chaired the meeting for the election of office bearers.
Mr Milner praised the work undertaken by Mr Watts stating that he committed about 20 hours a week to the centre.
He also commended Mr Watts for recently receiving the Leslie J. Farren award presented by the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia to a Vietnam veteran who performed outstanding work in the veteran community.
Mr Milner said many people would be unaware of the huge commtment Mr Watts made to veteran welfare.
Members of the executive include John Grace, Kevin Stephens, Noel Tucker, Brian and Sue Milner, Rod McNabb and John Martin.
Administration officers are Gayle Chippendall, Margaret Cook, Bill Cornford, Helen Gregg, John Martin, Sue Milner, Helen Molnar and Noel Price.
In his annual report Mr Watts said the centre’s 20th year had been very sucessful year assisting veterans, serving and ex-service personnel and their families within and outside the West Gippsland community.
Mr Watts said he had calculated that the volunteers contributed more than 2000 hours for the past year; about 40 hours a week.,
“These figures demonstrate that the services from our voluntary organistion are indeed required within and outside Baw Baw Shire area,” he said.
A total of 41 home visits were conducted during the year because of the age and infirmity of veterans and dependants.
Mr Watts thanked the volunteers who contributed to the centre.
He said the centre required the continued support from all ex service organisations in the West Gippsland area for volunteers to fill the rehabilitation and compensation advocates and administration officer duties as the positions became vacant.
Mr Watts said the centre had been successful in gaining a grant from the Veteran Affairs Department.
“This past year has been an interesting year as all pension officers are required to attend and pass a two day course for ATDP Recognition of Prior Learning and we are now known as rehabilitation and compensation advocates.
“This veteran centre has only one member for complete the RPL course,” he said.
“During the past year the centre had a total of 719 inquiries either in person, by telephone or email from people seeking information for themselves or their dependants. Our total inwards and outwards phone calls were 850, postal letters were 184 and emails were 129.
“The annualised revenue for 2017 our centre generated for veterans/members and their dependants living in Baw Baw Shire was $2.28 million under VEA, DRCA and MRCA.
“For veterans and members who live outside the shire area the amount was $2.31 million.
“These amounts do not include the service pensions or war widows pensions or the benefits of the DVA gold or white medical cards. Income support payments for WWP are included.
Mr Standen addressed the meeting on why the Veterans’ Affairs Department changed the training arrangements for volunteers assisting veterans and dependants with their dealings with the department.
The welfare centre is open each Tuesday or by appointment.