EUCALYPT CANOPY
Artist: Barry Gunter (Gandangara), Jasmine Seymour (Dharug) and Jamie Eastwood (Ngemba/Dharug) in co-design with Balarinji
Artist: Balarinji in collaboration with Barry Gunter (Gandangara), Jasmine Seymour (Dharug), and Jamie Eastwood (Ngemba/Dharug).
Client: Transport for NSW
Location: M12 Motorway, Western Sydney, New South Wales
Completed: March, 2025
Our Role: Engineering, Certification
Overview: The “Eucalypt Canopy” installations are a series of sculptural artworks along the M12 Motorway’s shared path in Western Sydney. These oversized eucalyptus leaf structures serve as both artistic landmarks and functional rest areas, embodying the cultural significance of the landscape in Aboriginal heritage.
About the Artwork: Designed by Balarinji in collaboration with Aboriginal artists Barry Gunter (Gandangara), Jasmine Seymour (Dharug), and Jamie Eastwood (Ngemba/Dharug), the “Eucalypt Canopy” installations reinterpret the natural eucalyptus leaf at an exaggerated scale. This inversion allows users of the shared path to experience the environment from a new perspective, emphasizing the intricate details of Country. The installations are strategically placed along the path, with three large canopies at key entry points serving as welcoming landmarks, and six smaller canopies at rest nodes representing the six seasons recognized in Western Sydney’s Aboriginal culture.
Community Impact: By integrating these culturally significant artworks into the infrastructure of the M12 Motorway, the “Eucalypt Canopy” installations foster a deeper connection between the community and the Aboriginal heritage of the region. They provide spaces for reflection and education, enhancing the cultural landscape and promoting an understanding of the enduring relationship between the land and its traditional custodians.
Our Involvement: Our team provided comprehensive engineering and certification services for the “Eucalypt Canopy” project. Collaborating closely with Balarinji and the artist cohort, we addressed technical challenges to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the installations. Our expertise facilitated the realization of these complex structures, contributing to the successful integration of art and infrastructure.
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