Shire of Dardanup to install new artwork to honour centenary

The Shire of Dardanup will soon be permanently marking its 100-year-old township with a unique centenary art installation. Last week, councillors unanimously approved the development and installation of a commemorative digi-glass sculptural piece, set to take pride of place in Carramar Park. Margaret River-based artist Emily Jackson has been commissioned to take on the work, originally hoping to install a similar piece as part of the Pile Road Ferguson Valley Art Trail. While no final design has been confirmed, it is set to take inspiration from the Centenary Parade, Dardanup streetscape, Gatsby Ball and gazettal documentation as well as input from local Aboriginal artist Karrak Designs. Shire president Mick Bennett said the artwork would form a “fantastic” addition to the Shire’s plan for multiple instalments around Dardanup. “This is a continuation of our plan and this artwork will join pieces we already have up in the Ferguson Valley and Pile Road,” he said. “We’re going to try and allocate some money set aside for more sculptures, I think there are 10 or 12 sites across the Shire where we want to locate stuff. “It’s really great in building a sense of community and place, and it’s great to see the community’s really embracing those things too.” The Shire was recently successful in receiving a $15,000 grant from Department of Planning Lands and Heritage, to be put towards the project.