Public art in the Georges River

During 2022, Georges River Council installed a number of public art works across the local government area, a commitment to Council’s vision of creating a built environment that has vibrancy, originality, creativity and a sense of local character.

In April, Georges River Council became home to its first permanent contemporary Aboriginal artwork by artist Danielle Mate. Her work brings to life bat caves installed as part of the Lower Poulton Park Naturalisation and Habitat Development project.

“My designs are a bold contemporary reflection on the environment of which the bat caves are now situated. I want the work to be vibrant, playful, colourful and an exciting welcome for visitors to the park and creek.”

Danielle Mate, artist

Bat Cave murals, Lower Poulton Park South Hurstville. Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

David Cragg’s mural on King Georges Road in South Hurstville was unveiled in June, exploring the vibrancy and diversity of the Georges River area, highlighting local flora and fauna. Images by Woniora Road school students were incorporated into the final design, embodying the theme of Country. Of his work David stated

“The colours chosen represent the vibrant red clay in the river valleys, the orange sandstone outcrops, the sparkling river, and the remnant forest areas.”

Woniora Road School mural, King Georges Road, South Hurstville. Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

Bloom by Ox King. Courtesy of Hurstville Museum & Gallery

The most recent Public Art to be installed is ‘Bloom’, by Steven Nuttall (Ox King), on Belmore Street, Riverwood. Part of the Riverwood Reconnected project, funded by the NSW Government's Streets as Shared Spaces Two program, the mural was completed in September 2022 and highlights native plants indigenous to the Riverwood area.

The rare and endangered Gosford Wattle (Acacia prominens), flowers and buds of the Magenta Lilly Pilly (Syzygium paniculatum), and Sydney Golden Wattle (Acacia longifolia) were included. Native Blue Banded Bees (Amegilla) also feature with the artist explaining; “The bee’s interaction with the plants helps them pollinate and thrive much like the actions of local Councils help preserve the natural beauty of the local area.”

Steven Nuttall (Ox King), artist

To learn more about public art in the Georges River Council area or for to find your favourite public art installation, visit:

georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Art-and-Culture/Public-Art