Grounded - Proposed Indigenous truth-telling sculpture

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Created by local Eastern Maar artist Sherry Johnstone, Grounded depicts an Aboriginal woman standing strong in Country, with journey lines symbolising resilience, growth and enduring cultural connection. The sculpture draws on Eastern Maar Elders’ stories of Aboriginal women taken from Port Fairy via the Moyne River by whalers and sealers.

The concept design anticipates the artwork to be in the order of four metres high, constructed from strong, weather-resistant steel suitable for coastal conditions. The sculpture will be a powerful and enduring landmark.

If supported by the community, Council’ will work with the artist and Traditional Owners to progress the design and seek external funding to make the project a reality.

Purpose of the Sculpture

Grounded is intended to be a powerful cultural marker for Moyne Shire - a place for truth-telling, remembrance and recognition.

Through this work, Council and Traditional Owners hope to foster respect, dialogue and connection, while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Location

The artist and Traditional Owners have chosen East Beach as their preferred location for Grounded because of its cultural significance, and direct link to the truth-telling story behind the artwork, and the artist’s relationship with Country.

Alignment with East Beach Masterplan

Grounded aligns with Stage 2 of the East Beach Masterplan, which was endorsed by the Council and includes provision for a piece of public art at East Beach.

Engage Moyne Privacy Collection Notice

Created by local Eastern Maar artist Sherry Johnstone, Grounded depicts an Aboriginal woman standing strong in Country, with journey lines symbolising resilience, growth and enduring cultural connection. The sculpture draws on Eastern Maar Elders’ stories of Aboriginal women taken from Port Fairy via the Moyne River by whalers and sealers.

The concept design anticipates the artwork to be in the order of four metres high, constructed from strong, weather-resistant steel suitable for coastal conditions. The sculpture will be a powerful and enduring landmark.

If supported by the community, Council’ will work with the artist and Traditional Owners to progress the design and seek external funding to make the project a reality.

Purpose of the Sculpture

Grounded is intended to be a powerful cultural marker for Moyne Shire - a place for truth-telling, remembrance and recognition.

Through this work, Council and Traditional Owners hope to foster respect, dialogue and connection, while creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

Location

The artist and Traditional Owners have chosen East Beach as their preferred location for Grounded because of its cultural significance, and direct link to the truth-telling story behind the artwork, and the artist’s relationship with Country.

Alignment with East Beach Masterplan

Grounded aligns with Stage 2 of the East Beach Masterplan, which was endorsed by the Council and includes provision for a piece of public art at East Beach.

Engage Moyne Privacy Collection Notice

  • Artists Voice - Sherry Johnstone

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    Artist’s Voice - Sherry Johnstone

    “She represents an Aboriginal woman comfortable in her own skin, proud of who she is, deeply connected to land, culture and ancestors - so much so she becomes the tree. She encourages people to pause, breathe and connect with Country.

    I want the public to be drawn to her presence - to feel her strength and her deep connection to Country. She welcomes people to spend time with her, offering protection and nurture, while gently encouraging them to pause, breathe, and connect with their surroundings. Through her roots, she channels the love and power of the land, inviting others to exchange their own energy with it. By practicing deep listening, they can awaken their spirit, open their senses, and attune themselves to Country.

    She also carries a truth-telling presence: she is still here, culture is still here – a beacon of light in a dark history, like a lighthouse welcoming the souls of the women we lost. She waited patiently for them, receiving their spirits and now she speaks for them.

    She is a cultural presence and reminder, a voice for resilience and truth-telling, urging justice for the women whose stories were never told.”

    - Sherry Johnstone, Eastern Maar artist

Page last updated: 10 Oct 2025, 09:00 AM