New mural at Causeway Lake tells Darumbal story
Six new public art murals have been added to Livingstone Shire Council’s popular placemaking art trail, including an indigenous-inspired art installation at Causeway Lake.
The Causeway Lake mural by local indigenous artist Brandon Butler of GABA Art, tells the story of the Darumbal people as they interacted with the lake precinct over many thousands of years.
Using a unique and distinctive combination of traditional aboriginal and contemporary artwork styles, Mr Butler has converted a bland amenities block into a major art piece.
The artwork features traditional symbols of the lake area including saltwater, marine life, shells, and mangroves to depict the hunting of food, gatherings, land ownership, men, women, and animals that are still connected with the Causeway Lake to this day.
Mr Butler said some of his fondest childhood memories were spent at Causeway Lake.
“I have always felt that there is something special about the lake so getting approval from Council to create something that reflects the importance of the area to Traditional Owners was an exciting moment for me,” Mr Butler said.
“I wanted to do the area justice, so I reached out to Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation and asked for their permission to incorporate their stories into the installation and was honoured that they agreed.
“My main focus for the artwork was to make this connection visible to the broader community and I was excited to see how much interest and curiosity there was from passers-by.
“I was blown away by the supportive feedback which not only made the process enjoyable, but I also feel that I have had the opportunity to educate people about cultural significance through my art in a positive way.”
Portfolio holder of Vibrant Community (Tourism, Events and Culture), Councillor Rhodes Watson said Council was proud to facilitate the installation of the artwork, which was funded through Council’s Placemaking Program.
“Brandon’s authentic and inspiring artwork captures and reflects its setting perfectly. His installation not only looks spectacular but most importantly highlights the region’s Traditional Owners and their relationship to country,” Cr Watson said.
“Placemaking has positively benefitted our Shire in many ways, by showcasing the wonderful local talent we have here and by creating welcoming, educational, interactive and visually appealing spaces for visitors and residents to enjoy.
“The Causeway mural, which features several local species of fauna important to Traditional Owners, was undertaken as part of an initiative to highlight locally significant wildlife species, following Council adoption of a Biodiversity Strategy.
Several rare, notable and more well-known local species of fauna have been profiled on other amenities blocks as listed below. The intent of this emphasis was to acknowledge and celebrate the environmental, aesthetic, tourism and intrinsic values of local wildlife so that we may all appreciate their value to the community and our individual lives.
MURAL DETAILS:
‘Radiant Rays’ by Martin Schlick, Masher Designs – Daniel Park, Cooee Bay
‘Black Cockatoo’ portraits by Jon Watson – Daniel Park, Cooee Bay
‘I’m Looking at You Curlew’ by Caitlin Broderick, Paintings by Caitlin – Beach Access LB3, Lammermoor
‘Shorebirds – More Birds’ by Simon McLean – north Mulambin Beach
‘Avian Day and Night Shifts’ by Ainslie McMahon – Glenlee Park, Glenlee
Causeway lake mural by Brandon Butler – Causeway Lake foreshore