Sunbury local and Yorta Yorta, Gunaikurnai and Gunditjmara artist Teena Moffatt has created an artwork for the new Gap Road rail bridge.

The artwork’s custom designed perforated panels were installed on both sides of the rail bridge in July 2022. The panels are finished in ochre to complement the site’s retaining walls, which were designed to emulate the nearby Organ Pipe geological formations.

Teena’s artwork references the volcanic plains of the western district, the ancient presence of Mount Holden hovering over Sunbury, Jackson’s Creek winding through local valleys and the unique features of the Organ Pipes and Rosette Rock.

In addition to referencing the significant archaeological and geological sites within Sunbury and surrounds, the artwork features manna gum leaves undulating along its full length. In Wurundjeri tradition, the manna gum leaf is gifted to travellers and the bearer then promises to only take what can be given back from Wurundjeri Country.

Teena was selected from a shortlist of Victorian First Nations artists, by an advisory panel which included representatives from Creative Victoria, Hume City Council and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

The team overseeing the legacy artwork worked closely with representatives and Elders from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the artist’s concept was respectful of Wurundjeri cultural values.