A brazen theft has shaken the serene surroundings of Lake Macquarie’s Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track in Belmont. The center of attention, a bronze artwork symbolizing an Aboriginal stringybark canoe, vanished mysteriously over the weekend, leaving authorities puzzled and residents dismayed.
Crafted just five months ago, the stolen bronze masterpiece formed the heart of the Gunyah and Canoe installation, an embodiment of the cultural legacy of the Awabakal people. It stood as a core element of the public art initiative by the Lake Macquarie City Council, showcasing and honoring the rich heritage of the region.
The artists behind this remarkable creation, Julie Squires, Shellie Smith, and Daniella Chedzy, poured their expertise into the artwork inspired by a traditional Aboriginal stringybark canoe. The project, led by Worimi canoe-maker Luke Russell, featured intricate details like casts of flathead fish and handmade fish hooks, a poignant tribute to the Indigenous history and deep-rooted connection of the locals with the land and waterways.
Julie Squires, expressing her devastation, mentioned the meticulous efforts taken to safeguard the artwork against theft. Despite fortified welds and concrete foundations, the audacious thieves managed to circumvent the security measures by directly cutting through the robust bronze structure, baffling the creators and authorities alike.
The community and law enforcement agencies are now fervently seeking assistance from the public to recover the stolen artwork. With a plea for any information or leads regarding the incident, Lake Macquarie Police and Crime Stoppers are urging vigilant citizens who might have witnessed suspicious activities in the area to come forward and aid in the swift retrieval of this significant cultural piece.
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