Conservation of public art in Nillumbik
The preservation of the public art collection is a priority for Council, reflecting our commitment to maintaining the region's unique cultural heritage.
To ensure artworks remain in optimal condition for future generations, we undertake rigorous preservation efforts. An example of these efforts is the regular audits conducted by specialised conservation contractors.
After meticulously assessing the condition of each artwork, Council receives condition reports that provide valuable insights into the current state of the collection and recommends specific conservation actions. These audits enable us to develop comprehensive conservation plans, outlining each artwork's short-term, medium-term, and long-term needs.
This proactive approach allows for strategic resource allocation, ensuring that conservation efforts are prioritised effectively.
If you notice damage to any of our public artworks, get in touch.
Conservation project completed at Eltham Town Square
The Symbiogenesis Project: Laughing Waters
The Symbiogenesis Project: Laughing Waters (2011), at Eltham Town Square, has been recently restored by artists Paul Kalemba and Aviva Reed. This eight-panel work, painted on plywood, experienced natural wear over time due to weather and exposure. Now, the artwork is back to its original shape. The mural is part of the Nillumbik Shire Council Public Art Collection, and this conservation project marks the beginning of a long-term plan to care for and preserve the entire collection for future generations.
Image above: before conservation - Image below: After Conservation
This artwork was created by Paul Kalemba and Aviva Reed with Felicity Gordon, Rafferty Amor, Kathleen Lund, Jeremy Baker, Fiona McDonald, Hana Garth, Tim Muscat, Emma Hatfield, Lucy Wilkins, Nellie James, Freya Wrigley, Dougal James, Finn Wrigley, and Rahme von Erkel-Bromley.
Read about The Symbiogenesis Project: Laughing Waters
Landscape cleaning completed at the site of Edward Ginger’s The Breeze
As part of Nillumbik Shire Council’s Public Art Conservation Plan, recent landscape cleaning has been undertaken around Edward Ginger’s The Breeze (1990) to improve visibility and preserve the integrity of its setting. These conservation works help ensure the sculpture continues to be experienced in line with the artist’s original intent, embedded within its bushland surroundings and open to public view.
The images show the artwork before and after the operation.
Located on Main Road in Research, opposite Eltham Little Theatre, The Breeze is a significant work within Nillumbik’s public art collection. Constructed from welded steel and painted in bushfire red enamel, the sculpture references both natural forces and the built environment. Interlocking geometric and flame-like shapes suggest a dynamic tension between industry and nature. At the same time, a circular cut-out represents the sun and alludes to the heat and fire history of the Australian landscape. The Breeze was the first artwork commissioned through the Shire of Eltham’s Art in Public Places Award, selected by Inge King, Jenny Zimmer, and Daryl Jackson, who praised its vitality, movement, and strong connection to place.
Council remains committed to the ongoing care of its public artworks, recognising their cultural, historical, and artistic value to the community.
See information about The Breeze.
Taking care of Platy for the next generation
Affectionately known as Platy, this artwork is hand carved from a 150-year-old Bunya Pine burl.
In June 2024, Peter hand-sanded the marks left by 30 years of love and affection, then nourished and coated the wood to ensure Platy will be viable for the next generation.
He says of this artwork:
"It is like a journey in wood, it is daunting, but you don't know what the outcome is going to be... Platypus are returning to our creeks. Children that may have experienced this artwork 30 years ago care for our environment as adults."
Image: Peter Carrigy, 'Platypus' 1994. Wood and stone 22x67x65cm (approx)