Murrun Garrang unveiled in Cameron Park

SEVERAL community groups and artists have breathed new life into a deteriorated tree at the entrance of the Anglesea township.

The southern mahogany gum sculpture located in Anglesea’s Cameron Park, named Murrun Garrang (The Living Tree), was officially unveiled earlier this month, following two years of collaboration between local groups, artists and the Surf Coast Shire.

Anglesea Art House president Jennifer O’Sullivan said the unveiling of the tree was a special moment for the art house, as the driving organisation behind the project.

The project was initiated by the group in 2021 and was the vision of Art House member Janet Harvey, who was instrumental in organising community grants and liaising with the community.

“The work done by Janet over the years was terrific from start to finish,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“It was fabulous to be there in attendance for the unveiling and to learn more about the story behind the tree.

“As an art organisation, we’re more than happy to work with the community on projects like this, it only adds character to the town we all live in.”

Ms Harvey worked alongside Wadawurrung woman Stephanie Skinner to guide the project artists, Viktor Cebergs, and metalworkers Cinnamon Stephens and Rowan Stephens.

The artists’ story of the design speaks of four layers on country: Warri (sea), Ochre, Sky, and Night.

Ms Skinner and the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation consulted on the artwork design with funding obtained by the Surf Coast Shire and donated by Community Bank Surf Coast.

Artist Cinnamon Stephens said she was contacted by Anglesea Connect to assist with the project.

“It was priceless to be there at the unveiling and to meet Ms Skinner, because when you’re in the thick of it reshaping the tree, you don’t really take note of the product as a whole,” Ms Stephens said.

“But to see it in its final form alongside all who contributed to the tree in some form was quite surreal.”

Cameron Park is located next to the town’s main roundabout, nearby the Horse & Cart Sculpture.