Major Public Art Commission in Melbourne’s North West Explores 40,000 Years of Culture and Climate Change
Media Release
Major Public Art Commission in Melbourne’s North West Explores 40,000 Years of Culture and Climate Change
Unveiling on 1, October at Incinerator Gallery, a new playable sculpture by Trawlwoolway multidisciplinary artist Edwina Green (pictured) invites children to explore, imagine, and play on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. Commissioned as part of Moonee Valley City Council’s (MVCC) First Nations Playable Public Art Commission and The Playground Project Melbourne, currently on show, this significant new work reflects the enduring cultural and environmental importance of the Maribyrnong River.
The sculpture presented in partnership with Agency Projects, is fabricated by Lump Studio and project managed by Arts Eleven, and couldn’t have been achieved without the generous support of the Community Recovery Hubs Grant. The artwork will be on display at Incinerator Gallery until mid 2026, before being permanently relocated as part of MVCC’s Public Art Collection along the Maribyrnong River.
The sculpture’s abstracted oyster form symbolises the deep history and ongoing health of the land and waterways. Harmonising with its surroundings, the work honours the knowledge held within Wurundjeri custodianship of Country. Designed with cultural intention and care, it offers a space where children can explore, imagine, and form meaningful relationships with place. This sculptural form is a land-based invitation to movement, storytelling, and connection to Country. With its soft, undulating curves and organic form, the artwork echoes the shifting contours of underwater eco-systems found in the Maribyrnong River, its riverbeds, and the gentle rise and fall of the land.
This initiative is supported through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), jointly funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, stands as a quiet reflection on the resilience of the Moonee Valley community, offering a space for connection and renewal for those affected by the 2022 Maribyrnong Flood.
Since 2014, Incinerator Gallery has presented the work of over 80 First Nations artists, including Dean Cross, Gabi Briggs, and Hannah Presley and each year showcases a community-led headline exhibition. Through its culturally conscious programming, the Gallery champions storytelling, addresses social issues, and amplifies diverse voices by collaborating with both emerging and established First Nations artists.
“Moonee Valley City Council and Incinerator Gallery have worked closely with Edwina Green to present this powerful contemporary work that reflects the resilience and shared history of our community,” said Mayor Ava Adams of Moonee Valley City Council. “The sculpture celebrates the cultural significance of the Maribyrnong River and provides a fun space for families and children to explore and be inspired.”
Artist, Edwina Green said: “This work is about honouring the deep cultural and ecological significance of the Maribyrnong River, while creating a space that invites play, reflection, and connection. It has been a privilege to collaborate with community and Council to bring these stories into public space in a way that celebrates resilience, creativity, and belonging. My hope is that children, families, and visitors alike feel a sense of joy and inspiration here, while also recognising the on-going connection of Wurundjeri mob to this place, and the mob who live and work off their Country, and all who have come to this country away from their homelands, and have been nourished and nurtured by Wurundjeri country.”
Leila Gurruwiwi, Cultural Liaison and Public Programs Lead at Agency Projects, said: “We are thrilled to support a project that honours the rich cultural history of the Maribyrnong River and its First Nations custodians. It’s a powerful example of how public art can bring stories and culture to life in meaningful ways.”
Edwina Green is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, film, design, installation, and sculpture. Her work explores perception, cultural reclamation, and the ongoing impacts of colonial history. She has exhibited at leading galleries and festivals, including Firstdraft, SEVENTH Gallery, Collarworks (New York), Yirramboi, and the Environmental Film Festival Australia.
Green’s concept was selected by a panel of six respected arts and cultural leaders: Wurundjeri Elders Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Julieanne Axford; architect Jefa Greenaway; cultural leader and Yolŋu woman Leila Gurruwiwi from Project Partner, Agency Projects; Lardil curator Maya Hodge; Artistic Director and CEO of ACCA Myles Russell-Cook. The panel praised the work for its artistic and technical excellence, strong connection to place, and its recognition of children as cultural citizens.
The Playground Project Melbourne is an interactive, international travelling exhibition with a playground takeover. It explores a unique chapter of late 19th century to early 21st century art, design, urbanism and activism; and strives to inspire local audiences, children, students, city planners, artists and designers to imagine a bright and brilliant future for play and playground design.
Showing at the Incinerator Gallery now until 12 October 2025, tickets are free for children aged 12 and under. Bookings available here: playgroundproject.com.au
NOTES TO EDITORS
Media Pack with latest photography and videography
The Playground Project Media Pack – Google Drive
About The Playground Project
The Playground Project is a living archive and on-going travelling exhibition, informed by curated by Swiss urban designer and political scientist, Gabriela Burkhalter, about the theory, history and practice of playground design. Melbourne’s iteration of The Playground Project is on show until 12 October 2025, and is commissioned by Moonee Valley City Council for Incinerator Gallery.
About Incinerator Gallery
Established in 2011, Incinerator Gallery is a platform for unique cultural experiences that connects society through art and design. It is a leading contemporary cultural space in Melbourne’s north-western suburbs, fostering design exploration, social interaction, discovery, knowledge sharing, learning and community development. A platform for unique cultural experiences that connects society through art and design, it welcomes communities, art professionals, students and people of all ages interested in art and design.
About First Nations-led series
Since 2014, the Incinerator Gallery First Nations program has supported and featured more than 80 Indigenous artists and curators. Committed to cultural awareness and storytelling, Incinerator Gallery plays a vital role in nurturing and celebrating Indigenous voices. As a prominent public gallery in Melbourne’s northwestern suburbs, it leads the way in Australia’s creative sector by actively enriching and engaging with local artistic communities.
Media enquiries
Deveta Patel Everett, Coordinator, Communications
Mobile: 0416 487 886
Email: dpatel@mvcc.vic.gov.au
