By Paul Dunlop
THE unveiling of Pakenham’s new sculpture heralded the dawn of an exciting era for local art lovers.
That was the message from Cardinia Shire councillor Kate Lempriere, an enthusiastic supporter of the $62,000 sculpture, who urged people to welcome it as their own.
“Cardinia residents, this is your artwork,” Cr Lempriere said at the official opening last Tuesday.
The sculpture, Toolim, is the first of a series planned under a joint venture between the council and Delfin Lend Lease.
Awardwinning artist Paul Johnson was commissioned to create the piece, specifically designed for the forecourt of the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
Public art is an often controversial issue and ratepayers questioned the value of the project when the council commissioned the piece this year.
Cr Lempriere, the chairwoman of the Lakeside Pakenham Public Art Program, said she was confident that council had made the right decision.
“We are privileged to have a Paul Johnson original in our shire,” Cr Lempriere said.
“Toolim is a magnificent public art sculpture that has been created from stainless steel, copper and a large rock, which has been sourced from a local quarry.
“It gives one a sense of recognition, a visual experience that is spiritually Australian, an artwork you can identify as part of Cardinia and feel good about.”
Paul Johnson was among special guests at the unveiling attended by council officials, Delfin Lend Lease representatives and residents.
Acting chief executive officer Garry McQuillan paid tribute to public art consultant Sonia Turnbull, architect David Newstead, major projects engineer Steve Fernee and residents who contributed to the consultation process.
Through the Lakeside Pakenham Public Art Program, the council said it would continue working with Delfin to develop a highquality and varied public art collection.
The $150,000 project — with council pledging $75,000 over a number of years — aims to actively engage the community and promote the precinct as an attractive and vibrant place where innovation and creativity are valued.
Cr Lempriere encouraged residents to continue to be involved as the project evolved.
“Send us your thoughts, hopes, aspirations, sites, drawings,” she said.
“Take part in our community consultation process. The success of these projects still lies with you, our community.”
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