City of Darwin Council has revealed the final colour selected for the city’s kinetic sculpture that will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy at Bundilla Beach Reserve.
An aqua colour has been chosen to reference the blue-green of the ocean, as well as pay tribute to the Gulumoerrgin (Larrakia), the saltwater people and traditional owners of Darwin, said City of Darwin Councillor, Mick Palmer.
Cr Palmer, who was in Darwin when Cyclone Tracy hit, said the colour symbolised Darwin’s unique colour palette, where the sky, sea and sand collide.
“The kinetic sculpture, Coriolis, was designed to pay respect to the history of Cyclone Tracy and represent the forces of nature affecting the Darwin environment,” he said.
“We understand there have been differing opinions regarding the kinetic sculpture, which has been created as a modern and future-facing interpretation of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy and the role this significant event has played in our city’s past, present and future.
“It is a contemporary sculpture that will feature undulating limbs that move with the wind.
“It has been designed to be an educational focal point for future generations to learn about one of the most significant events in Darwin’s history.”
Seating and a landscaped space will be available around the kinetic sculpture where people can reflect on the impact Cyclone Tracy had on the community.
The aim of the kinetic sculpture is to ensure visitors and current and future generations of the community understand the effect Cyclone Tracy had on Darwin’s past, present and future.
The kinetic sculpture also aims to raise awareness of natural phenomena such as cyclones.
Artist, Phil Price, was commissioned to create Coriolis as he is the only Australasian artist who creates kinetic sculptures that can withstand Darwin’s unique environment.
The Council-led kinetic sculpture is separate to a land-based memorial being coordinated by Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc at East Point Reserve.
The Australian Government has provided $600,000 in funding to the Northern Territory Government for the project. A $300,000 contribution has been made to City of Darwin Council to support construction of the kinetic sculpture at Bundilla. An additional $300,000 has been allocated to a memorial at East Point Reserve, facilitated by Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc.
The kinetic sculpture is expected to be installed in late November.
