A new sculpture installed in St David’s Park, Dee Why acknowledges Aboriginal people’s cultural connection to Country, with the piece exploring the local landscape and waters.

James Voller, of Collide Public Art Initiative, worked in collaboration with Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay artist, Dennis Golding, to create the work Through the Wind and Water.

The artwork, made up of three panels, presents an illustration of curved lines depicting the Dee Why coastline, as well as Dee Why Lagoon that was often a place where the black swans swam. The design on the three panels references and highlights the natural environments and processes surrounding this site, as well as connecting to Aboriginal communities within the Northern Beaches region. 

The work takes on a new life at night when it lights up; captivating to look at and provides safety features by illuminating the pathways and stairs.

“The artwork stands as an acknowledgement for the stories and memories embedded within the custodianship of the surrounding lands of the Cammeraygal, Guringai and Borogegal people, who care for their Country now and who have done so since time immemorial.

“As the wind carries all who gather and meet on this site that connects the water to land, this work reminds us that this land has always been occupied, and is cared for with awareness and respect.” - Dennis Golding.

This public artwork completes the newly landscaped public space at St David’s Park with timber seating, accessible ramp and public toilets, an Angophora Costata tree and over 1,500 plants including a range of native trees and shrubs from Old Man Banksia, Eumundi and Lilly-pilly.

You can read more information on this work here.