Geelong’s history uncovered in public art project

A series of bronze plaques have been perched outside a selection of Geelong’s historic sites as part of a new public art project titled Bronze Stories: Geelong Unearthed.

The project – designed and funded by the City of Greater Geelong – was launched at the sixth Word for Word National Non-Fiction Festival on Sunday.

Each plaque pays homage to a defining moment in the city’s history, from Geelong’s maritime and gold rush history to the city’s convict and migrant past.

Others acknowledge the people who have had a lasting effect on the city, including Dan Dan Nook (of the Wadawurrung nation) and war hero Mary de Garis.

Cr Trent Sullivan, chair of the city’s arts, culture and heritage portfolio, said the project was a great example of public art being used to educate and entertain.

“These plaques will help us recognise our city’s unique and varied history.

“They’ll give visitors and members of our community a better understanding of how Geelong developed into the place it is today, through the many amazing stories that have unfolded and been passed down through the generations.”

Word for Word Festival advisory committee chair Cr Margot Smith said the festival was delighted to include the launch of the Bronze Stories project.

“The theme of this year’s festival is Nyaal, a Wadawurrung word that means to ‘open your eyes’ and these fascinating stories are hugely important pieces of local history that everyone in our community should know about.

“This is particularly true of the story of Wadawurrung men Dan Dan Nook, Willem Baa Niip and Harry Gore, whose strength and resilience deserve to be known by everyone.”

Each story can be explored further by downloading the free Geelong Arts and Culture Trails app from the App Store.