Indigenous truth-telling sculpture approved for East Beach, Port Fairy

Published on 28 October 2025

Grounded, a proposed Indigenous truth-telling sculpture by local Keeray Woorroong, Yorta Yorta artist Sherry Johnstone, has been endorsed by Moyne Shire Council as a new public artwork opportunity for Port Fairy.

Several locations were assessed for Grounded including Railway Place, Martins Point, The Passage and East Beach. East Beach was chosen as the preferred location due to its cultural and geographic resonance, planning suitability, and alignment with Stage 2 of the East Beach Masterplan redevelopment.

The 4.2-metre steel sculpture depicts an Aboriginal woman standing firmly rooted in Country. Its design incorporates roots and journey lines that symbolise resilience, growth, and enduring cultural connection.

Mayor, Cr Karen Foster said the narrative, shared by Peek-Whurrong Elder Uncle Rob Lowe, draws on oral histories reflecting the experiences of Aboriginal women connected to Port Fairy and the Moyne River during the whaling and sealing period.

“The responses from public consultation on this proposal have highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for the sculpture,” said Cr Foster.

“The work depicts a story of deep significance to local First Nations people. Council will work closely with the artist and local Indigenous community to ensure the sculpture’s meaning and story are developed and shared under their guidance,” she said.

Sherry Johnstone said the sculpture stands as a sentinel of connection, a presence that welcomes reflection, truth-telling, and recognition of women’s strength and enduring ties to Country.

“She becomes our ancestors’ message stick, she’ll carry so much story and education,” said Sherry.

Council acknowledges concerns raised during community consultation regarding project cost, design and scale and will manage these through its established project management and design review processes. The artwork will be appropriately scaled, environmentally sensitive and primarily funded through external grants.

Next steps include progressing the detailed design and finalising landowner, environmental and cultural approvals.

Council will integrate technical requirements through the Stage 2 design review, prepare funding applications outlining its co-contribution, and report back on the confirmed design, costs and funding outcomes. Community and stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the process.