The two groups have been collaborating on the Dreaming Centre expansion project which includes the installation of eight new sculptures around the lake near the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, interpretive signage, additional tables and chairs, landscaping, a new amphitheatre to host additional cultural workshops and a toilet block.

The sculptures will all represent Aboriginal culture and will form a trail around the loop of Lake Forbes closest to the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre with the first to be on the corner of the Dreaming Centre and Cross Street bridge.

The idea is for this to form part of the Somewhere Down the Lachlan Sculpture Trail.

Forbes Art Society president Keith Mullette presented the project at Forbes Shire Council’s May meeting, in the hopes that council would come on board.

“For some time the society has been working with the Dreaming Centre about putting a sculpture there as part of the sculpture trail,” Mr Mullette said.

“The idea is to expand the Dreaming Centre to make a sculpture trail around the lake.

“This would then be used for a number of projects.”

In addition to the sculpture trail, there are plans to make an amphitheatre-type structure at the Dreaming Centre where classes of students can sit and learn.

“The educational component of this is really important,” Mr Mullette said.

“It’s about making a facility where people both young, townsfolk and visitors can learn about Wiradjuri culture.”

Mr Mullette told councillors that the sculpture trail is a joint project that will have multiple benefits.

“This would be very significant for the Aboriginal community and the Dreaming Centre, very significant for Somewhere Down the Lachlan, very significant for tourism in Forbes and very significant for education,” Mr Mullette said.

“Of all the things we’ve done, this is one the community really benefits from. You can’t do much better than that.”

The project is a big one. Forbes Art Society, the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre and Forbes Shire Council have applied for a $270,000 Club Grants Category Three Arts and Cultural Infrastructure grant for the project.

The Dreaming Centre Expansion Project has been shortlisted as one of 24 eligible for a grant.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $400,000 which includes in-kind support from Forbes Shire Council, local businesses and individuals.

“The more the community get in it, the better,” Mr Mullette said.

As part of the process, a number of cultural experts will be consulted to ensure the stories, that will be told through the sculptures, are accurate. 

The first sculpture will be a high quality bronze sculpture depicting a family scene.

Each sculpture will be different but all relating to the indigenous theme.

Interpretive panels will be placed next to each sculpture and landscaping will be done around the sculptures.

“In no way will any of these sculptures detract from the naturalness of the lake,” Mr Mullette said.

“As far as possible we’re going to try to use Wiradjuri sculptors,” Mr Mullette said.

“And if we can’t do that, we’ll use sculptors from the Dubbo Plains and around this area.”

Wiradjuri elder Aileen Allen said they’ve been working on the Dreaming Centre for three years now and it’s all starting to come together.

“I think this will top it all off and make the Dreaming Centre a lot better,” she said.

“People will come and see the sculptures and then come to the Dreaming Centre.

“I think it’s a great thing for Forbes.”

Ms Allen said the Dreaming Centre committee is very grateful for Forbes Art Society and Mr Mullette for the support.

Find out more

A special public information session to discuss the proposed Dreaming Centre expansion will be held at 4pm on Thursday, June 2 at Forbes Town Hall.

Detailed plans of the expansion will be on display for comment.

“People can come and ask questions and we can explain things,” Mr Mullette said.

Mayor Phyllis Miller said it was exciting news for the project to be shortlisted.

“If this grant is successful, it will see the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre become a regional hub for learning and education about the Wiradjuri culture,” she said.

Further information on the project can also be obtained by contacting council’s grants officer Andrew Rawsthorne on 6850 2327 or email andrew.rawsthorne@forbes.nsw.gov.au