Noorat Public Art Project

The township of Noorat has a new centrepiece after its public art project was installed and officially launched in mid March 2015.

The abstract ‘eagle’s nest’ sculpture is a 3.5 metre tall, twisting tower with a nest atop.  At the foot of the tower, a ‘volcano seat’ replicates the crater of nearby Mount Noorat.  The sculpture will be installed at the community garden on MacKinnons Bridge Road early next week.

New South Wales-based sculptor Col Henry oversaw the installation.  His ‘eagle’s nest’ concept was selected from a shortlist of three by the public art committee in November 2014.

Mr Henry said the inspiration behind his concept came from a comment he heard at one of the community meetings. “Eve Black said to me as a throwaway line that there was a tree on the mountain and for many years there had been an eagle’s nest.

For Mr Henry, the idea of the eagle’s nest linked into what he was hearing from others in the community.  After a visit to the local schools, he came away with a list of what students thought was important to the area – family and community resonated most.

“The eagle’s nest is a symbol of strength and the community spirit of this quiet little town got me, it’s unbelievably strong,” he said.

The Arts and Culture Strategy (2010-2015) and Public Art Policy guide the creation and acquisition of public art to provide enjoyment and stimulation for both residents and visitors to the Shire. To date public art works have been installed in four Shire towns – Lismore, Timboon, Terang and Noorat.  These works are appreciated and valued by the local communities who have help guide the projects.

Artist link:  Col Henry