LOCAL Myall Koala and Environment Group (MKEG) members have successfully re-installed their beloved “Black Dolphin” statue, after removing it earlier this year for some much needed restoration.
Originally installed in May 2023 and inaugurated by local Worimi Aboriginal Elders, the Black Dolphin (Wubaray of Worimi Barray) features an eye-catching filler of disposable items, designed to spark awareness and discussion of pollution along the region’s beautiful beaches.
Accompanying signage designed by local Glenn Henry expands on the concept, explaining how long several common pollutant items found in waterways can take to decompose, and the damage they are doing in the process.
The originally empty black wire statue was designed by Melbourne artist Michael Walker, but it was not designed with the salty, caustic coastal atmosphere in mind.
“The sculpture was not necessarily designed to be erected outside, let alone overlooking a surf beach with lots of salt air,” MKEG Vice President Ian Morphett told News Of The Area.
“Shortly after erection, rust started to show through the black paint coating, and in 2024 it was taken down and repainted.”
“Sadly, when 2025 came round, rust was again starting to come through everywhere, so the Group decided to try a more sustainable approach.”
This time, all the paint and rust was sandblasted off, the entire sculpture was galvanised, then powder-coated in high-gloss black finish, the powder-coating process being donated by Kyzac Powder Coating of Tomago.
The powder-coating process involves spraying very finely ground particles of pigment and resin that are electrically charged, resulting in a thin layer of polymer on the surface of the structure.
Because the parts that are coated are electrically grounded, the charged spray adheres, then the whole section is cured in an oven, whereby the powder particles are melted and fused into a very durable and corrosion-resistant coating.
Owing to the nature of the process, powder-coating cannot occur in situ, which is why the Black Dolphin has been absent from its perch for a while.
The Black Dolphin has become a landmark of sorts, owing to its location and unique design, as well as the rubbish that fills it to make the point that MKEG wishes to relay to passers-by.
The location is alongside one of the main pedestrian accesses to Bennetts Beach, and is highly visible from the park benches and the Surf Club, with Yaccaba headland in the background.
It represents a visible and aesthetically acceptable addition to the educational environment of Hawks Nest.
On the first day of spring, it was refilled with rubbish and re-erected by Laurie and Jane Collison, and Rob Hughes.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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