by Emma Ballingall

A new public artwork has been unveiled at Warragul Library after a donation from Mawarra.

The brightly coloured Story Pole captures the essence of Baw Baw Shire with individual wooden blocks capturing different aspects of our area.

Disability support educator Jo Marriott said the Story Pole was designed and created by one of the centre’s program groups.

“We are thrilled to gift our Baw Baw Shire Story Pole to the Warragul Library and for them to display it,” she said.

A donation of wood and poles from Drouin Wooden Toys kicked off the Upcycle project earlier this year.

Brainstorming ideas on how to use the materials, Ms Marriott said the group were inspired by public artwork around Warragul and Drouin, in particular the Compass Rose in Burke St Park.

“We based our work off that,” she said.

The group studied the mosaic in great detail and noted the Aboriginal-inspired centrepieces holding the entire story together.

The Story Pole is a take on Totem Poles which may symbolise or commemorate ancestors, cultural beliefs or notable events.

The project commenced with each individual participant creating their own Story Pole, translating life events and memories into art onto wooden blocks.  

These individual Story Poles went home with participants before they commenced work on the group Story Pole which is now proudly displayed in the library.

The creators included Meredith, Davita, Jina and Kaitlyn with special mention to Aimi, Emily, Emma and Kayla.