Embroiderers showcasing their handiwork are, back from left, Betty Pritchard, coordinator Eleanor Taylor, Kim Pitcher, Jan Hurford, Charlene Hosemans, Val Walker and (front) Val Hobson, Meredith van Dongen, Ann Taylor, Jean Chatfield, Lorraine Parnall, Kim Dalziel, Lyn ter Maten, Eileen Williams, Dawn Fleming and May Ridgway. Absent: Wendy Beilharz and Wendy Earwicker.
By Paul Dunlop
MONTHS of painstaking embroidery work is no joke, but the unique artwork created as a result certainly has Cardinia Shire in stitches.
The Cardinian Embroidery Project, depicting the townships of the Shire of Cardinia, was unveiled to an enthusiastic audience on Saturday.
The artwork is the result of more than two years’ hard labour by a passionate group of people who have designed and stitched a tapestry that will long stand as a snapshot of the community.
Project coordinator Eleanor Taylor said the embroidery now took pride of place at the Cardinia Cultural Centre, where it will remain on public display.
Mrs Taylor said the finished embroidery was the work of more than 2000 people.
There was a definite feeling of ‘mission accomplished’ among the project leaders who gathered to celebrate the project’s public launch.
“It comprises eight panels, each measuring 190 centimetres high and 140 centimetres wide, representing groups of neighbouring towns and depicting features of each town considered significant by local people – from historic buildings, recreation reserves, parks and road signs to annual events,” Mrs Taylor said.
“The embroidery conveys a feeling of mutual cooperation between the townships and generates great pride for all involved.
“The embroidery illustrates our heritage and commemorates a diverse, hardworking community.”
More than 370 features of significance were individually embroidered by 219 people, using a variety of hand and machine embroidery techniques.
A further 1856 people added their stitches to the town names at the bottom of each panel, Mrs Taylor said.
Cardinia Shire Council’s public art chairperson councillor Kate Lempriere said she was in awe of the finished project.
“It is an amazing work that shows so clearly the wonderful creativity and diversity of the people involved,” she said.
Cr Lempriere said the women involved were inspirational.
Mrs Taylor said the work was made to last for centuries.
Souvenir items are available and include a booklet detailing the heritage features.
