Portarligton pelicans to represent community and teamwork

FEDERAL MP for Corangamite, Libby Coker joined the community to celebrate the installation of two large pelican sculptures that symbolise teamwork and community.

The bronze statues on Portalington’s foreshore created by Ocean Grove sculptor Will Wilson, were an initiative facilitated by the Portarlington Community Association (PCA) and Bellarine Bayside, after a successful application to the Federal Government’s Strong Communities Round 7 Grant.

Ms Coker said she was thrilled that the government could help facilitate the important structures which will attract holidaymakers and foster meaningful connections and pride within the Portarlington community.

“The sculptures will be another drawcard for visitors to Portarlington, many of them who come on the ferry and arrive nearby,’ Ms Coker said.

“Anyone who knows Portarlington appreciates how passionate the locals are about pelicans; they are a much-loved part of the Bellarine’s character.”

According to vice present of the PCA, Diane Kolomeitz, a pelican was the preferred choice for the project, citing it as something that represented achievement and collective effort due to the animal’s strong social sense, group mentality and sacrificial habits.

She said that many of the characteristics of the pelican were reminiscent of the work of community groups, thus being a perfect token to represent teamwork.

CEO of Bellarine Bayside, Bruce Elliot also expressed his love for the project, saying the birds “were a realistic sculptural addition to the foreshore and a good outcome from Bellarine Bayside’s ongoing collaboration with community groups”.

The new project has been endorsed by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and uses the Wadawurrung word for pelican ‘Bardangal’ on the attribution plaque beside the larger bird.