Bega Valley Shire Council will install the Landed eagle sculpture in Bemboka’s Memorial Park following community consultation and feedback.
The artwork won the Sculpture Bermagui Acquisitive Prize and was identified by the Public Art Advisory Panel as being suitable for the township of Bemboka.
“Possible sites for the sculpture were considered following feedback from the Bemboka community and an assessment of site suitability by the panel,” said Bega Valley Shire Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick.
“Criteria included adequate site area, whether the land is council owned or managed, installation costs and synergies with the immediate locality.”
Two suitable sites were identified: the corner of the Snowy Mountains Highway and Hoskins Street at Bicentennial Park, or near the corner of Snowy Mountains Highway and Broad Street at Memorial Park.
“These two options were put to the community via a poll,” said Mayor Fitzpatrick. “A high level of community interest was achieved with a total of 141 responses.
“Both sites were found to be publicly supported, with Memorial Park receiving 73 votes and Bicentennial Park receiving 68 votes.
“As a small community, generosity of spirit goes a long way. The addition of significant public artworks to our landscape adds vitality and shared history to our shire, and provides valuable depth to our tourism offering.”
An official unveiling will be organised once the sculpture is installed, to recognise and thank individuals and businesses who donated to the purchase and installation of the sculpture.
Landed was created by Moruya artist Thomas Westra.