Torquay tree breaths new life

SURF Coast artist Brock Fidler has carved new life into a flowering gum tree planted in the 1950s by the Red Cross in Torquay.

The tree, which is located at the Torquay Improvement Association in Price Street, has been transformed into an abstract artwork to represent community and connection.

Its intricate line indentations are to showcase Torquay’s population walking together to pave a path towards a brighter future.

The large tree was stripped back and made into an artwork after the tree’s gum nuts fall onto the tracks of the entry gate to the Price Street location, which caused the gate to fall off its hinges.

Torquay Improvement Association committee member Lynda O’Flaherty said it was fantastic the historical tree would live on and be managed by their members once it starts to sprout again.

“The nuts had previously been making the gate stop and fall off, so we thought of cutting it down, but there was too much history there.

“I’d seen what Brock had done at Bellbrae Estate and thought his carvings would be a great way to give it new life.

“It will still be living and sprout in the future which is exciting.”

Mrs O’Flaherty hoped the tree would also help to bring more attention to the Torquay Improvement Association and highlight the work they continue to do to advocate and promote initiatives to support the region’s growth.

“We hope the transformation of the tree can bring more attention to our history as a group and what we’ve done in Torquay.

“We formed in 1889, so we’ve got a long and deep history.

“At one point we were the government within the area.

“We definitely need younger people to come on board and keep the group going.”

The Torquay Improvement Association is based at 8-12 Price Street, Torquay.