‘YIMALIKO MAKORO’
Artist: Raymond Smith, Tyler Smith
Client: Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC)
Location: Cottage Creek, Newcastle, New South Wales
Dimensions: Ten 2.3-meter-tall cast aluminium fish sculptures
Completed: July 2024
Special Features: Symbolic representation of a school of fish; integration into a cultural walking route
Our Role: Engineering, Design Documentation, Certification
Overview: “Yimaliko Makoro,” translating to “encourage the fish,” is a compelling Aboriginal artwork situated on the bank of Cottage Creek, adjacent to the Little National Hotel in Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct. Unveiled in July 2024, this installation symbolizes the creek’s historical importance as a food source for Aboriginal communities and highlights efforts to rejuvenate marine life in the area.
About the Artwork: Designed by First Nations artists Raymond and Tyler Smith, the sculpture features ten cast aluminium fish mounted atop 2.3-meter poles that elegantly swirl from the ground, representing a school of fish navigating the creek’s waters. This artistic representation underscores the enduring connection between the local Aboriginal people and their environment, emphasizing themes of sustenance, stewardship, and ecological balance.
Community Impact: “Yimaliko Makoro” enriches Newcastle’s cultural landscape by integrating Indigenous art into public spaces. It serves as both a visual landmark and an educational piece, fostering awareness of the area’s Aboriginal heritage and the significance of environmental preservation. The artwork complements nearby installations, such as the “Layers of Us” footbridge, creating a cultural walking route that narrates the site’s historical and contemporary relevance.
Our Involvement: Our team provided comprehensive engineering services for the “Yimaliko Makoro” project, including design development, detailed documentation, and certification. Collaborating closely with the artists and project coordinators, we ensured the structural integrity and durability of the installation, addressing technical challenges to bring the artistic vision to fruition.
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