Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art



Council's commitment to public art is visible by its diverse and dynamic collection. Since 1985, over $2 million has been invested in more than 100 public art installations across the municipality.

Greater Dandenong public art collection features permanent and temporary installations that invite locals and visitors to engage with and reinterpret their environment in new and challenging ways.

Many of the artworks have received industry awards, national media exposure and been accepted into state collections.

As a leader in public art practice, Greater Dandenong's public art collection celebrates local identity, character and cultural diversity.

Buckingham Avenue Gateway
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Patti Wong and Urban Initiatives P/L (2004)

Bookending the northern tip of Buckingham Avenue are two large scale contemporary Asian influenced gateways announcing your entrance to the heart of sensational Springvale.

The gateways are part of a streetscape upgrade including canoe-like cast bench seats, tactile footpath paving treatments that mimic pools of water, bicycle racks, bins and the relocation of overhead powerlines underground.

The Buckingham Avenue gateways were designed as part of a streetscape upgrade to rejuvenate Buckingham Avenue and reflect the Asian influence in community, cuisine and trade of Greater Dandenong's most established cultural precincts.

Location: Cnr Buckingham Avenue and Queens Avenue, Springvale (Melways Map: 79 Ref: K9)

Chaise Lounge
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby by Big Fish P/L (2006)

With a prop like appearance, the bright red whimsical Chaise Lounge at the rear of the Drum Theatre was created by Big Fish P/L to be a talking point as well as being utilised by visitors, shoppers and performers.

With hundreds of patrons attending the Drum Theatre each month, much of the day to day activities occur at the rear of the building. The Chaise Lounge's prop like appearance prompts passers by to question whether the seat has been left outside the Drum Theatre by accident.

The Casting Couch, as it is now locally known, provides a quirky and light-hearted contrast to the award-winning Drum Theatre facade.

Location: Cnr Langhorne Street and Walker Street (next to Drum Theatre), Dandenong (Melways Map: 90 Ref: D7)

Commemorative Park Mosaic Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Libby McKinnon, Ann Clark, and Kitty Owens supervised participants of the LEAP Project (1995)

The Commemorative Park Mosaic mural and gardens were developed by young people who joined in a Landcare Environmental Action Program (LEAP).

The mosaic mural, originally mounted on the wall of the Noble Park RSL, depicts the story of local residents who fled war-torn countries to make a safer home in Australia. The mosaic mural reflects images that celebrate peace and hope associated with a new future whilst acknowledging the challenges that comes with settling in a new land.

Based on oral histories that record refugee experiences told by members of the Noble Park and Springvale community, the project reflects themes of war, migration and resettlement. The mosaic depicts images of dislocation, symbolising the fear and hope associated with leaving one's country of birth in the hope of a better future.

The mosaic project was initiated by Noble Park RSL and supported by Council by developing the park as a culturally significant Commemorative Park suitable for conducting events such as Anzac Day services.

Mural restoration: In 2003 the Mosaic was removed as part the redevelopment of the Noble Park RSL. Key sections of the mosaic were removed, restored and fixed to four free standing panels located in the adjoining Noble Park Commemorative Park site. Mosaic artist Libby McKinnon who was originally commissioned to undertake the project with the community in 1995, lead the restoration process. The restored mural continues to celebrate the spirit of the original work highlighting themes of war, migration, hope and arrival.

Location: Cnr Heatherton Road and Mons Parade, Noble Park (Melways Map: 89 Ref: F2)

IMAG NE
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Cnr Heatherton Road and Memorial Drive, Noble Park (Melways Map: 89 Ref: F2)

Dandenong South Gateway
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Big Fish P/L (2004)

Aiming to reveal the unique qualities of the Dandenong South neighbourhood, its residents and social heritage, the Dandenong South Gateway project was developed in 2004 as a two-stage public art project.

The public art work acts as a gateway offering a visible and colourful contribution to the Dandenong Creek environment along Hammond Road that can be experienced by pedestrians and motorists.

The design was inspired by photographs collected from the Dandenong South Primary School students and from interviews of community members which encapsulate common themes of faith, family, cultural traditions and ceremony.

Dandenong South Gateway movie - Initially the project focused on discussions and activities that involved residents of Dandenong South sharing stories, ideas and insights of the local area. These ideas were expressed through photographs, text, audio recordings and film footage.

The material was compiled into an eight minute movie which describes the unique nature of the Dandenong South community. It was accepted into the Memory and Place collection at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) at Federation Square.

The movie was submitted to the Memory and Place collection at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). It was subsequently accepted and forms part of a state-wide collection that focuses on community works which explore the connection between people and place.

The movie describes the unique nature of the Dandenong South community and can be viewed at ACMI in the Memory Grid audio/visual space in Federation Square.

Location: Cnr Hammond Road and Heart Street, Dandenong South (Melways Map: 91A Ref: C10)

Freedom Cycle Sculptures
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Grant Finck (2000)

A blue metal cyclist seems to have escaped the bustling traffic of the nearby main roads and is enjoying the freedom of the bike path in serene Falkiner Reserve.

Nearby is a large yellow diamond shaped sculpture with the same cyclist image cut out of its centre. Looking much like an enlarged street sign, the sculpture highlights the presence of the bike path.

Acting as a 'signpost' of the reserve's bike path, Freedom Cycle highlights how important it is for the local community to have access to recreational activities in safe environments.

Location: Falkiner Reserve, 1562 Heatherton Road, Dandenong (Melways Map: 90 Ref: G3)

Going Potty! Sculptures
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Grant Finck (1999)

Shoppers stop in their tracks at the sight of these quirky life-size figures with bathroom accessories for heads that adorn Council's public toilet block and hall in Palm Plaza.

The public art work was part of Council's facade improvement project aimed at enhancing the built environment. Directly inspired by the amenities block at which the work is located, the artwork is a site specific response to the nature of the amenity through the humorous depiction of figures whose heads have materialised into bathroom objects.

Location: Dandenong Plaza Amenities Block, 6 McCrae Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: F6)

In-Transit
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Martin George (2017)

In-Transit recognises Dandenong as a distribution hub. The bronze artwork comprises a collection of abstracted and oversized links of gold chain that have been staked on a packing pallet. While the chain links reference Martin George's previous work called Gold Bling, which is also located in Halpin Way, the pallet is a new element.

We are conditioned to accept that shipping pallets are fragile, cheap, temporary, poorly made, disposable and of low value. Yet in this artwork the irony lies in its very foundation - in the artists effort, time, skill and execution making this part of the work permanent, the plinth, cast in bronze.

The artist's execution is so convincing that the true beauty in this work - the broken and decaying pallet is easily overlooked, instinctively viewers may turn to the gold chain and all of the learned associations with gold that trace back thousands of years.

Weighing in at half a tonne, the pallet is constructed of forged bronze which was cast at Australia's premier fine art foundry - Meridian in Fitzroy.

In-Transit picks up where Gold Bling left off, exploring the tension of a town in flux. It pays homage to new money and the new Dandenong - a prosperous and developing city riding off the wave of the manufacturing industry while referencing the story, people and cultures that came together in the past to create that renewal.

George said the work is designed to remind us that our fates are shared and that a prosperous future is only possible when a community works together.

'I chose the pallet as a reference to the area's industry,' he said.

'Much of Melbourne's manufacturing takes place in the region and as such, a stacked pallet is an immediate visual cue.'

In-Transit forms part of Council's permanent public art collection which aims to highlight undervalued spaces and create a point of interest for passersby.

Location: Cnr Settlers Square and Halpin Way, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: C7)

Reverie
by Paul Johnson (2005)

In 2004 the Dandenong Development Board and Council formed a partnership to commission an iconic artwork for a landmark site in Dandenong.

The site, opposite the Dandenong Town Hall, was selected for its high profile on one of the city's busiest intersections. The generous footpath area provided a large footprint for an artwork to be incorporated into the site providing a focal point for motorists and pedestrians.

In 2013, Reverie was relocated to Pultney Street as part of the Revitalising Central Dandenong Project.

The City of Greater Dandenong selected Queensland artist Paul Johnson's concept for the Central Dandenong site from a short listed pool of four artists.

Johnson is an accomplished artist who has completed a number of innovative light based artworks in Queensland. He employed the expertise of Sydney's Lasercorp lighting technician Glen Turner to develop the laser light animation that operates from Reverie nightly.

Reverie takes inspiration from the local area and communicates the connection between nature, industry and communities.

The structural key is Nature (bent grasses/trees) being displaced by Industry (wheel - industry/ manufacturing) which together form the aesthetic and economic platform for Culture (the artwork itself).

The form and the colour red used throughout the work was inspired by the importance of the river red gum in greater Dandenong's landscape and history; an important symbol that dates back to pre-European settlement.

The ring is symbolic of communities coming together - fragments that make up the whole. Some of the ring fragments are placed into the paving and provide seating, enabling the viewer to look up or down depending on the time of day, and contemplate the piece.

Reveries' height and elongated form defines the active space as a landmark, it draws the eye skyward while not being obtrusive to traffic and pedestrian site lines.

It commands attention during the day with its contemporary galvanised finish and contrasting red elements and at night engages pedestrian life with it's vibrant, interactive laser composition.

Location: Pultney Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: F8)

Speed Cheek
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Clare McCracken (July 2008)

Council engaged Clare McCracken, who has experience in developing public art projects in diverse settings; to create two interactive, environmentally sustainable sculptures.

The sculptures are inspired by Jeffery Smart's surreal urban landscapes and inspired by the backdrop of the Eastlink motorway; designed for bike riders and pedestrians to measure their kilometres per hour.

Using sophisticated motorway technology Speed Cheek are two speed checking devices placed beside the shared user path that runs through the heart of Oakwood Park measuring the speeds of bike riders and pedestrians going both from east to west and west to east.

Speeds are displayed on two solar powered LCD screens which hover above the path so that park users can see the pace at which they are moving. The sculptures will provide a free interactive experience for local and visiting schools, recreational groups, cyclists and residents.

Location: Oakwood Park, 336 Princes Highway Service Road, Noble Park (Melways Map: 89 Ref: K1)

Springvale Pedestrian Underpass
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Big Fish (2002)

The Springvale Pedestrian Underpass was built in late 1969, and is a fairly typical structure of its time consisting of reinforced concrete walls, metal handrails and a tiled interior.

It is functional, allowing pedestrians to get from one side of Springvale Road to the other, gain access from the station to the shops, but its appearance was never given consideration and has become the focus of concern. This concern was the driving force behind Council funding and undertaking a major refurbishment of the structure in 2002.

The refurbishment of the underpass is underpinned by community safety initiatives and demonstrates enormous innovation in the application of contemporary art treatments.

The City of Greater Dandenong commissioned artists from Big Fish Workshop to work on innovative ideas for the transformation of the pedestrian underpass. Big Fish specialises in 3D installations and unique one off projects.

Graphic designer Renata Slusarski created 'Motion' who said that "The Springvale Underpass functions as a conduit for moving people safely from one side of the road to the other. "It is perceived as cold, spare, drab. 'Motion' is an artistic depiction, a celebration of that function as well as a solution to the unsightliness of the underpass."

'Motion' grew from a local image taken at the Springvale Station using a special camera and technical effects.

This image were manipulated on a computer to enhance the colour and mood. The final result was two enormous, digitally enhanced photographic images which stretch almost the full length of the underground tunnel. Along the entrances to the tunnel pedestrians pass smaller and randomly placed images that include snap shots of local people in Springvale.

The colour of the underpass and other treatments including the paint scheme, lighting and cut out sections are all components of the artists' treatments to the site, responding to safety issues and pedestrian concerns.

Community safety issues underpinned many of the design solutions developed by Big Fish. Some of these are easily recognisable and practical to improve site lines and the sense of safety.

Highly polished, reflective steel panels at either end of the tunnel enable pedestrians to see around some of the tunnels blind spots and generally improve site lines.

Four sections of the concrete walls were removed and replaced with transparent sections comprising steel railings and clear polycarbonate sheeting. This has improved site lines from the footpath into the underpass enabling greater casual surveillance opportunities.

Lighting in the tunnel has also been improved through the installation of additional fittings.

The bright colours, dramatic shapes and locally inspired digital imagery not only improve the appearance of the underpass but positively alter public perceptions of it. The site now reflects a place to be experienced rather than avoided - it is a place that is alive and colourful rather than dull and forgotten. These combined subtle differences have had a significant impact.

Location: Springvale Shopping Strip, 281 Springvale Road, Springvale (Melways Map: 79 Ref: K9)

Table of Knowledge
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby City of Greater Dandenong, Vic Health and RMIT University (2003)

The Table of Knowledge is a reflection of ideas and concepts offered through discussions and the sharing of knowledge and information.

Location: 298 Springvale Road, Springvale (Melways Map: 79 Ref: K10)

The Books / Solid Reading
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Geoff Hogg (2000)

Books have literally moved from the school into the street with this public art work! Comprising twelve larger than life concrete sculptures shaped like books, the aptly titled 'The Books' can be found scattered and piled in front of Springvale Rise Primary School.

The giant concrete books, with their collective weight of over 12 tonnes, are certainly an impressive sight to behold. While they were created to improve the streetscape of the Springvale Shopping Centre precinct, 'The Books' also act as seats and a resting area for parents waiting to pick up their children from school and weary shoppers.

Designed by artist Geoff Hogg, and created by SITE RMIT Public Art. Cameron Robbins worked as part of the artistic team and coordinated the casting process.

The artwork was inspired by the collection of historical books housed in the primary school's collection. The concrete books are designed to age with time, much like the natural aging of real historical books.

Young children from years 5 and 6 were given the opportunity to be involved in the public artwork. They attended excursions and witnessed the concrete casting of The Books at RMIT where they also learned about the design and production of public art. The students watched the delivery of the concrete books to the Springvale Primary School and saw the work being installed.

Location: Springvale Road Strip Centre, outside Springvale Rise Primary School, 355A Springvale Road, Springvale (Melways Map: 79 Ref: K10)

The Borrowers
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Kevin Gilders (1998)

A family group, laden with books, has been carved from a red river gum stump. 'The Borrowers' are on their way home after visiting the nearby Springvale Library. You might like to sit with them for a while and marvel at the skill involved in transforming a tree stump into a figurative sculpture with the use of only a chainsaw!

'The Borrowers' reflects the important role libraries have to members of the local community at all ages. The choice of the locally found red river gum further reiterates the local theme.

Award winning wood worker Kevin Gilders carved the work in which was designed by Knox Placemakers.

The impact of The Borrowers on the community is two fold. With the artists creating the work in a public environment, audiences at the Sumnation festival were able to experience first hand the processes involved in chainsaw sculpting.

The completed sculpture in its current location, acts as a 'sign post' to the Springvale Library.
Note: This sculpture is no longer there.

Location: Outside Springvale Library, 411 Springvale Road, Springvale (Melways Map: 79 Ref: K11)

Totem Poles
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Robert Tickner and the Knox Placemakers (1996)

Located in a small inviting open space within central Dandenong, are six towering ceramic totem poles of varying colours, designs and heights.

Wind your way around and feel the textures of these amazing freestanding artworks. Look closely and you will see the Koori pole, Youth pole, Peace and Hope pole, Vietnamese pole, Music and Dance pole and the Four Elements pole.

The Totem poles were created through a collaborative process involving local people of a variety of backgrounds, ages and interests. Their placement aids in identifying the location of the Dandenong Community Arts Centre and Walker St Gallery.

The Totem poles were created under the direction of Robert Tickner and the Knox Placemakers.

The Totem Poles contain imagery collected, interpreted and created by the people within the City of Greater Dandenong. Each totem pole was the unique result of ideas developed by those involved in the creation of the art work. They were:

-Dandenong and District Aborigines Cooperative
-St John's Regional College
-Cooinda Adult Day Activity Centre
-Cleeland Secondary College

The poles represent the expression of the diverse backgrounds, ages and nationalities that make up the community, as well as peace, good luck, hope, music and dance.

These show the variety of interests, concerns and beliefs which enrich the colour and expression of life in the local community.

Location: Dandenong Community Arts Centre, Corner Mason and Robinson Streets, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: C6)

Urban Artscape at Brady Road
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Zabelski Han (2002)

The Brady Road Shopping Centre enjoys a high profile due to its location on an important link between Stud Road and Gladstone Road.

The shopping strip has a history of high occupancy rates and features vast and expansive pavement areas, however the site was grey-looking, bland and devoid of any visual appeal.

The rejuvenation project presented an opportunity to build on the strengths of the shopping centre and create a distinctive setting for the pleasure of shoppers and traders.

The Brady Road area presents itself as a normal suburban neighbourhood. Houses built on suburban blocks and carefully kept front yards are a key feature of the urban landscape. The good times that can be had working in the garden, tinkering with the car, going down the street are all part of daily life in North Dandenong.

This rich suburban character was seen as a source of inspiration for the project and led to a series of elements designed to celebrate those aspects of local life.

The City of Greater Dandenong commissioned artists from Zabelski Han to develop innovative ideas to rejuvenate the Brady Road shopping centre.

Zabelski Han was established in 2000 by Velislav Georgiev, a sculptor, and writer Victoria Roxburgh. They have successfully undertaken similar projects and specialise in creating team-based, collaborative artworks to improve the visual appeal of public spaces.

The footpath design was constructed using two distinctly different coloured materials - bitumen and coloured cement. The design runs across the entire footpath area with stone slabs and ceramic tiles symbolising windows and bringing to life the idea of a suburban skyline.

A grouping of trees at the Victor Avenue end of the centre offers a curious blend of real and sculptural forms. Materials including recycled power poles and mild steel were carefully formed into fruit trees bearing fruit gilded with gold. The sculptural trees are nestled amongst Maple trees, which will offer a spectacular autumn show of colour.

Surburban iconic images were the inspiration for a series of three weather vanes. They spin freely in the breeze and are designed to catch the eye of passing motorists. On closer inspection, the materials of copper, stainless steel and timber can be admired. The weather vanes depict three everyday scenes of hanging out the washing, working on the car and mowing the lawn.

Planter boxes hand carved from Mount Gambier Limestone form the base of each weather vane and act as seats and garden barriers

Location: Brady Road Shopping Centre, 40 Brady Road, Dandenong North (Melways Map: 81 Ref: D10)

Victor Avenue Bird Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Cnr Brady Road and Victor Avenue, Dandenong North (Melways Map: 81 Ref: D10)

Upside Down
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Julian Clavjo

Inspired by notions of childhood, Ctavijo's work reminds us to view the world through a child's eye; filled with natural happiness, an innate sense of innocence and spontaneity.

Location: Warwick Avenue, Springvale (Melways Map: 80 Ref: A9)

Community United
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Eddie Botha (2018)

The highly detailed drawings celebrate people, society, local symbols and everyday life. They are filled with a cacophony of characters that colour the streets, capturing a moment in time. The artwork by accomplished Melbourne artist Eddie Botha is created in layers using spray paint, acrylic paint, collage and Indian ink.

Location: Front window of Thomas Street Car park, 250 Thomas Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D6)

Thomas Street Car Park Lift
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Thomas Street Car park, 250 Thomas Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D6)

No Fence for Dreams
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Julian Clavijo

Location: Southern wall of Thomas Street Car park, 250 Thomas Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D6)

Animal Cutout Seats
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Cnr Clow Street and Thomas Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D5)

Thomas Street Tiled Column
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Cnr Thomas Street and Scott Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D6)

Walker Street Carpark Face Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: 30 Walker Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D7)

Vessels of Lights
Greater Dandenong Street and Public ArtThe creators of the Vessels of Light are landscape architects and artists Sinatra Murphy (2007)

The Vessels of Light project was developed to strengthen pedestrian connections and experiences to and from Drum Theatre. There are seven Vessels of Light that adorn the city's buildings and laneways. They are inspired by Dandenong's trade heritage and waves of migration.

Location: 30 Walker Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D7)

Dandenong Market Year of the Wolf Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Heesco

Location: Dandenong Market northern wall, 3 King Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: E5)

Dandenong Market Rising Phoenix Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Bonsai

Location: Dandenong Market western wall, 23 Cleland Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: E5)

Aspects of Healthy Bay Wetlands Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Baden Johnson (2018)

This impressionistic Landscape painting is inspired by the local landscape and wetland areas of Dandenong. The panorama transforms the space with imagery of tree lined grass lands, wetlands and the Dandenong creek. Using the setting of the park, passers-by are immersed in a tranquil natural setting.

Location: City Park, 272 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: E6)

City Park Lamp Sculpture
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: City Park, 272 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: E6)

Between Two Worlds
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Artby Mike Eleven (2018)

This artwork offers insight into the life of Aishwarya Pokkuluri, an active member of the Dandenong community and recipient of the 2018 Greater Dandenong Australia Day Award - Young Leader of the Year. Her life blends her two worlds, that of her Indian upbringing and her Australian lifestyle. She moves seamlessly between both acting as a bridge between tradition and progress.

Location: Cnr Foster Street and Mason Street, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D8)

Gandhi Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Cnr Mason Street and Halpin Way, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: C8)

Gilbert Lane Mural
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art

Location: Cnr Mason Street and Gilbert Lane, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: D8)

Power Plug and Switch Building
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
Location: Cnr Halpin Way and Moysey Lane, Dandenong (Melways Map: 91A Ref: C7)

Silverton Primary School Murals
Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art
There are a range of interesting murals at Silverton Primary School.

Location: 77-123 Jacksons Road, Noble Park North (Melways Map: 80 Ref: J9)

Map of Street Art Locations:





Web Links


Greater Dandenong Permanent Public Art

Chaise Lounge brochure (PDF)


Greater Dandenong Street and Public Art, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175