A giant steel and polyurethane eagle with a 2.5 metre wing span has taken pride of place at the Indigenous themed play space at Lake Wendouree; one of four dynamic new pieces of public art in the city.

In Australian aboriginal mythology Bunjil the eagle is a creator deity and is responsible for the creation of the world. The Bunjil sculpture and the 3 metre pole it sits on has been created over the past two months by Indigenous artists Marley Smith and Diana Nikkelson in a workshop in Napoleons. The sculpture’s massive 2.5 metre wing span is made from fabricated steel and coated with a polyurethane spray for longevity then painted by Marley and Diana. 

Bunjil is the first commission by the City of Ballarat’s Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC). 

PAAC Chairman, Councillor Des Hudson said the new projects would add depth to Ballarat’s public art collection.

“The artists who created this works are to be congratulated on producing such stunning piece of art. It has its own distinctive character and a sense of place. Bunjil will fascinate and intrigue, complimenting the wonderful indigenous themed play space for all to enjoy”.