The 3.5 metre gorilla in Corrigan’s Beach Reserve is causing a stir – but it’s just the start. Photo: Mathew Hatcher – Mayor Eurobodalla Shire/Facebook.
There’s nothing like a 3.5 metre tall gorilla to send social media bananas – and it’s just the start of something big!
Eurobodalla Shire Council has installed ‘Mina’, a statue of an Eastern Lowland Gorilla, at Corrigan’s Beach Reserve near Batemans Bay, and the bold move has sparked plenty of debate.
It’s one of a series of artworks by artists Gillie and Marc, and the second to be installed in the region. The first was ‘The Splendid Fairywren Loved Adventure with Rabbitwoman and Dogman’, which now has a home near NATA Oval in Narooma.
The British and Australian artists have been described as among the most successful and prolific creators of public art, creating some of the world’s most innovative public sculptures.
They aim to spread messages of love, equality, and conservation around the world and their sculptures and paintings can be seen in art galleries and public sites in more than 250 cities.
The artists have donated 22 sculptures worth $1.6 million to be located at council-managed or council-owned Crown reserves around the shire in the next 12 months.
However while some people are keen to take photos with the 3.5 metre high, 1.2 tonne, sculpture recently installed in Batemans Bay, not everyone is a fan.
“I understand a kangaroo or a wombat or even a koala, but a gorilla, that’s so wrong for the South Coast,” wrote one person on social media.
“Can we say thank you but no thank you?” another asked, while a third said it seemed “sort of crass”. Others wondered why it wasn’t placed at Mogo, near the wildlife park, where it would have more context – but there are more to come.
Council’s division manager of community development and participation Kim Bush said the controversial sculpture was “not only great for our locals, but the visitor experience”, with people expected to tour the region to see different statues and discuss the latest art in the area.
“What we do locally impacts the globe and all of the sculptures in the exhibition are endangered species,” she told Region.
“In an area where we live – where we have pristine environments and we’re all about naturalness and sustainability – we really felt that was the lure that this exhibition can provide.”
She also said ‘Mina’ was located away from high-traffic parts of the reserve.
“We don’t imagine that there’ll be an impact on other users of the site … it’s not in anybody’s way.”
Eurobodalla councillors unanimously voted to move ahead with accepting the donation earlier this year.
“This is an opportunity to create a world-class public art experience, to educate and inspire communities about the importance of wildlife, enrich our cultural offerings and support our quest to establish ourselves as a cultural destination,” council documents from the time state.
The donations are being made through the Australian Cultural Gift Program, a government initiative where people can donate items to public institutions and receive tax benefits.
Mayor Mathew Hatcher told the April meeting that the artists would also cover the freight cost.
It means they are free of charge for the council, which only needed to cover installation costs.
Cr Phil Constable asked about the anticipated ongoing costs of owning the pieces.
“I’d love to be given a Rolls-Royce, but I wouldn’t have the money to maintain it,” he said.
A staff member said the sculptures were made of bronze, which made them “very hardy” and that they would “sit well in this environment”.
Ms Bush also told Region they would need little in the way of ongoing upkeep and maintenance, other than being hosed off on occasion.
The council did not choose individual pieces, she said, as they were instead donated as a complete exhibition.
According to the council’s website, the 22 sculptures have a $1.6 million cost, while $27,000 has been set aside to cover the installation.
The website also states that further sculptures are set to be installed by June 2026, for a total of 22 pieces.
The other sculptures are set to be located at council-managed or council-owned Crown reserves around the shire.
“Locations have been carefully selected to align with existing amenities and natural foot traffic — places where people already gather for recreation and connection,” the website states.
