Reformers by Thylacine: Shaun Kirby and Alexandra Gillespie, pays tribute to the 5,000 male convicts who worked to build the 250 kilometre Great North Road from 1826 to 1836. The road commenced in Five Dock and travelled north to the Parramatta River, which was crossed by boat at Abbotsford Point to Bedlam Point, and from there stretched north to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. The convicts named on the piece were part of Road Party 14, based close to Five Dock.
Road Marker also honours the often ‘nameless’ convicts at the heart of the work, seeking to convey the human dimension of an important achievement in early Australian infrastructure.
City of Canada Bay Mayor Helen McCaffrey is inviting the community to view and hear the story behind the work on a walking tour of Five Dock. The walk will include some of the other 14 art installations, which form part of Council’s Five Dock Streetscape Upgrade.
“This investment in artworks throughout Five Dock, illustrates Council’s commitment to retaining the village feel and sense of place that people have come to love about the town, while also providing for economic and commercial growth,” Mayor McCaffrey said.
“It is important and significant that many of the artworks celebrate our history and the cultural diversity of the community.”
Another piece that pays homage to the town’s history is by Italian visual artist, Marta Ferracin. Positioned in Fred Kelly Place it consists of acoustic and sculptural elements, which aim to represent Italian culture, specifically that of Southern Italy and the Aeolian Islands, from where many members of the Five Dock Italian community arrived in the Post-WWII era.
Other artworks that add to the vibrancy of Five Dock include designs by illustrator and poet, Mulga and Australian street artist, Fintan Magee.
The ongoing installation of artworks has run alongside upgrades to the streetscape on Great North Road, which includes new footpaths and lighting.
Enjoy a morning tea at Five Dock Library after the Art Walk.
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