Proposed sculpture for Port Fairy
Published on 22 September 2025
Moyne Shire Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on Grounded, an Indigenous truth-telling sculpture proposed for East Beach, Port Fairy.
Created by Eastern Maar artist Sherry Johnstone, the work depicts an Aboriginal woman standing strong on Country, with journey lines symbolising resilience, growth and enduring cultural connection.
The sculpture draws on Eastern Maar Elders’ stories of Aboriginal women taken from Port Fairy via the Moyne River by early whalers and sealers.
The proposed four-metre-high steel artwork would be designed to withstand coastal conditions.
If supported by the community, Council will work alongside the artist and Traditional Owners to progress and cost the design, and seek external funding to deliver the project.
Mayor, Cr Karen Foster, said the work would be a powerful cultural marker for Moyne Shire.
“Grounded represents truth-telling, remembrance and recognition,” Cr Foster said.
“This sculpture is about honouring stories that have too often been left untold, while also celebrating resilience and cultural strength.
“We want to hear from the community as we consider this significant proposal for Port Fairy’s East Beach.”
Artist Sherry Johnstone said the work carried both a welcoming and truth-telling presence.
“She represents an Aboriginal woman comfortable in her own skin, proud of who she is, deeply connected to the land, her culture and her ancestors – so much so she becomes the tree,” Ms Johnstone said.
“She is still here, culture is still here – a beacon of light in a dark history, a lighthouse welcoming home the souls of the women we lost.
“She is a cultural presence and reminder, a voice for resilience and truth-telling, urging justice for the women whose stories were never told.”
Traditional Owners have chosen East Beach as the preferred location for the sculpture because of its cultural significance and direct connection to the story behind the artwork.
The proposal also aligns with Moyne Shire Council’s East Beach Masterplan Stage 2, which includes provision for a piece of public art at the site.
Have your say
The community is invited to share their feedback on Grounded between 22 September and 9 October 2025.
While the truth-telling story behind the artwork is not open for consultation, Council is seeking views on the project itself.
Ways to provide feedback include:
- Completing the online feedback form at https://engage.moyne.vic.gov.au/grounded
- Attending one of the community information sessions at Charlies on East, 4 Hughes Avenue, Port Fairy:
- Wednesday 24 September, 10am
- Thursday 25 September, 6:30pm
- Tuesday 30 September, 6:30pm
- Thursday 2 October, 6:30pm
- Emailing comments to moyne@moyne.vic.gov.au with the subject line Grounded.
Cr Foster encouraged the community to be part of the conversation.
“This is an important opportunity for us to listen, reflect and work together with Traditional Owners on how we acknowledge the past and create a lasting legacy for future generations,” she said.