Sculpture invites reflection on First Nations history

A new public sculpture celebrating thousands of years of Aboriginal fishing heritage, cultural songlines and coastal connections has been officially unveiled at Port Kembla’s MM Beach.

Titled Magari, the piece was created collaboratively by senior Coomaditchie artists Aunty Lorraine Brown and Auntry Narelle Thomas, alongside award-winning Dharawal and Yuin artist Alison Page.

The artwork stands to honour the region’s rich First Nations history, middens and traditional saltwater practices along MM Beach, Fisherman’s Beach and Hill 60.

Magari features three distinct fish forms of varying sizes, designed to symbolise the continuity of generational knowledge in the local community. 

"The eyes of the fish line up with the Five Islands because that's such a strong songline for our people, when we grow up hearing about the Five Islands," Alison says. 

"It’s all about amplifying our songlines, preserving our songlines ... It’s been such a real pleasure working with the aunties on this. To make a work like this, I think, brings that connection to life and shares it with everyone else." 

The unveiling ceremony opened with a Welcome to Country and a traditional smoking ceremony led by Elder Uncle Gerald Brown, who highlighted the site’s deep-rooted significance for the local saltwater community.

Attendees were treated to a timely appearance from whales surfacing off the coast, noted by ceremony leaders as a powerful presence from ocean elders.

Lead artist Alison Page shared the cultural storytelling embedded within the design and described working on the piece as an absolute privilege.

"Working on this sculpture was an absolute joy," says Alison. 

"Working with Aunty Narelle Thomas and Lorraine Brown, they invited me down here to help them re-envisage an artwork that’s always been here, acknowledging the fishing practices...

"Cultural fishing practices are still so important to all our communities that live up and down the coast. It's really great to come back down to my grandmother's country and make this artwork with them." 

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Tania Brown praised the collaborative effort and expressed pride in Wollongong City Council’s ongoing commissioning of public art that reflects local identity.

"It is so important that we keep investing in public artworks," Cr Brown says. 

"That's why I'm so pleased to see that, following a bit of vandalism in the past, we've now got this wonderful artwork, and I hope the people treat it as respectfully as they should so that we will get to celebrate and enjoy it for a long time to come." 

Fabricated in partnership with Urban Art Projects (UAP), Magari stands permanently along Gloucester Boulevard, inviting locals and visitors to reflect on the enduring story of the coast's original custodians.