Dugong sculpture promotes indigenous culture
As part of the Dreamtime Cultural Centre near Rockhampton, Natureworks created an enormous dugong sculpture for the Torres Strait Islander complex. The solidly built sculpture houses artefacts and educational displays highlighting the rich indigenous heritage of the area. Several Torres Strait Islander groups were involved in the creation and style of the sculpture and exhibit.
Preserving cultural heritage and sharing stories
Throughout history, the dugong has been a popular mythological animal. A beautifully unique creature of the seas, it resembles a walrus or whale, but its closest relative is in fact the elephant (read facts about dugongs).
The coastal indigenous tribes of Australia and the Torres Strait Islands regarded the dugong with a very high economic and social value as it provided a rare and nutritious source of meat.
Creating the dugong sculpture
The giant dugong sculpture is 22m long, 5m high and 12m wide. It was made by a team of sculptors, carpenters, and builders, using a combination of fibreglass and concrete over a steel frame.
The internal armature was made with bent 12mm steel bars. Wire mesh covered the frame to form a substrate for the sprayed concrete texture surface. Allowance was made for practical features like an air conditioner, entrance doorway, internal lighting and display areas. The sculpture was finished with realistic skin textures and colours.
The photos below show the process of building the larger than life replica of this magnificent sea creature.
Rockwork for the Dreamtime Cultural Centre
About the centre
The Dreamtime Cultural Centre is situated on land originally occupied by the Darambul Tribe. After the centre was established in 1988, the Torres Strait Islander’s Complex followed in 1992. The complex includes huts, the giant dugong sculpture, and plants particular to the Torres Strait Islands. Attractively landscaped with native plants and a waterfall, the centre offers an interpretive walk, guided tours and cultural experiences.
Artificial rocks and caves for a naturally interesting experience
Natureworks contributed to the Centre’s unique feel by building artificial rock structures designed to blend in with the local landscape. Through decades of experience we have mastered the art of mixing and matching synthetic and natural rock to create the ultimate rockscape.
Artistically crafted with the finest of detail, our rocks are lightweight, sturdy, durable and capable of structural support. We can fabricate rocks to suit any purpose and to fit interior or exterior environments using a variety of synthetic rock building techniques.
Project details
| Client | Dreamtime Cultural Centre |
| Project | Dugong sculpture for Torres Strait Islander complex. Artifical rocks and caves for Dreamtime Centre. |
| Audience | Local community, schools, tourists, and all First Nations peoples |
| Location | Rockhampton: 703-751 Yaamba Rd, Parkhurst QLD 4700 (see map) |
| Date | 1988-1992 |
| Related products | Giant dugong, Dugong sculptures, Artificial rocks and caves |
| Related catalogues | Big Things, Artificial Rocks, Indigenous Australia |
| Similar projects | Weir School Serpent, Murrook Culture Centre, Dreamtime playground, Megafauna sculptures |
Creating memorable cultural experiences
Natureworks has been involved in numerous public education and cultural projects, which we have always developed with a sensitivity to cultural issues. We believe it is essential to ensure authenticity in communication and presentation. To do this, we conduct accurate research, collaborate with First Nations peoples and work with local communities.
If you would like to create a unique visitor experience for culture, education, tourism or business, Natureworks can help bring your vision to life. We specialise in the manufacture of high-quality components that can stand alone (such as the giant dugong sculpture) or combine to create total environments (such as the rockwork for the Dreamtime Centre buildings).
For an idea of how to get started, see our custom design process or contact Natureworks to discuss ideas for your project.
