Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Maree Clarke's stunning glass canoe, Yawa, to be unveiled in Cowes Public Art Celebration on 14 June 2025Renowned artist Maree Clarke unveils Yawa, a stunning glass canoe celebrating culture, community, and Country at Berninneit, Cowes, on 14 June 2025, with public ceremonies and mayoral address. By news@gippsland - 26th May 2025 - Back to News Renowned artist Maree Clarke is soon to unveil her latest masterpiece - Yawa (Long Journey), commissioned by Bass Coast Shire Council as a significant addition to the public art landscape in the region. The unveiling event on Saturday, 14 June 2025, will be open to the public and include a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and speech by Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead. ![Yawa's creation involved community workshops with over 300 participants who contributed to the Murrini glass panel designs. Led by Maree Clarke, her family members - [L-R] Mitch Mahoney, Nicholas Hovington, and Wade Mahoney - joined her in this project at Berninneit](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AP1GczPQ4KiykZoiXvOCToC4ktHyZcSjg7TBD-1IjZF2Gj7A_xYjlDdHXOjTJc1PZrxi7ToWHqTfUFr-rRo_aG2rl_dyCLUA0vwSyfho2aGCRd2PTQE7bwzl=w532-h547-p-k "Yawa's creation involved community workshops with over 300 participants who contributed to the Murrini glass panel designs. Led by Maree Clarke, her family members - [L-R] Mitch Mahoney, Nicholas Hovington, and Wade Mahoney - joined her in this project at Berninneit")
Yawa's creation involved community workshops with over 300 participants who contributed to the Murrini glass panel designs. Led by Maree Clarke, her family members - [L-R] Mitch Mahoney, Nicholas Hovington, and Wade Mahoney - joined her in this project at Berninneit Spirit in glassThis captivating artwork, comprising 30 intricately crafted Murrini glass panels, will form a breathtaking glass canoe suspended overhead the grand hall at Berninneit, Cowes. Clarke, a celebrated First Nations artist of Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti, and Boon Wurrung heritage, brings her profound cultural insight and collaborative creations to Yawa. The artwork melds traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision whilst highlighting the delicate play of light and colour inspired by the surrounding wetlands and ocean. Fabricated at Canberra Glassworks, Yawa spans an impressive 5000 x 565 x 290 mm (LWH), crafted from glass, stainless steel wire, and powder-coated steel. Its patination captures the essence of river reeds, further enriching its connection to the local environment. Integral to Yawa's creation were community workshops held in January 2025, where over 300 participants contributed to the patterns adorning the Murrini glass panels. Led by Maree Clarke alongside three generations of her family - Kerri Clarke, Wade Mahoney, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney, and baby Yarran Clarke-Mahoney - these workshops enriched the artwork with shared cultural practices and community spirit. Connected through artAs community members have commented: "What a fabulous experience to participate in. Maree's vision and skill is outstanding, and the beautiful, collective creation happened so naturally. I loved being part of it and hearing about Maree's other inspired work" - Tony Norquay "As a grateful community member, it was a powerful, inspiring experience. Thank you, Maree" - Anne Davie "How lovely, communal, connected, creative. Maree is a wonder" - Annie Mac Bass Coast Deputy Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari is looking forward to the unveiling of this powerful piece, shaped by local hands and brought to life through the collaboration of community and First Nations artists. "Public art can really liven up our public spaces, making them bright and welcoming and make us all feel more connected to one another. "I've really enjoyed seeing our community come together to help build Yawa, this amazing piece of First Nations art. It'll be great to see it unveiled for everyone to enjoy at Berninneit," said Cr Tessari. For more information about Yawa, visit Bass Coast Cultural Venues website. Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Victorian Councils urge parties to preserve local choice in glass collection models and expand container deposit recycling benefits
A coalition of 41 Victorian councils is urging major parties to preserve local choice in glass collection, expand container deposit recycling benefits and maximise recovery while minimising costs for communities. - Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential. - The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis. - East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed. - The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding. - Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024. - Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas. - Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com. - Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants. - Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation. - East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit. - Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits. - Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3. - Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037. - Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes. - Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses. - Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding. - Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
|
|
