Maggi Barnard

TIMELY MESSAGE… Within – Without (Of Land and Spirit) by Greg Johns from Adelaide is located 26km from Con-dobolin along the Lachlan Valley Way towards Forbes. John has been a professional sculptor for 45 years working in Corten steel, wood and stone.

The ever expanding inland public art trail of Sculpture Down the Lachlan is becoming the focal point of the region’s arts and culture and the addition of the 22nd sculpture has added yet another dimension to this unique experience.

Within – Without (Of Land and Spirit) by Greg Johns uses interlinking geometric shapes to represent the patterns formed in nature, and the interconnection that exists between them. The 5m high geometric piece, located on Marsden Road in the Lachlan Shire, speaks of nature’s micromacro links and the importance of respecting and protecting them.

“When links are broken, such as the extinction of particular flora or fauna, the whole system becomes vulnerable and can ultimately collapse,” said sculptor Greg Johns. Greg used hundreds of solid 25mm mild steel unites, each cut from solid steel plate in collaboration with boilermaker Darryl McFarlane of Demill Engineering.

The 5m high pod, formed from open hexagonal units, offers vastly different patterns when viewed from different angles. “The public can see through the form to the surrounding landscape, and this conection to the surrounding landscape is important,” Greg said.

“When you move around the sculpture, which continually changes visually, a negative figure suddenly appears from one angle. The intended implication of the organic pod form is of a protective spirit. A deep, profound guardianship of place as a priority is a message this sculpture hopefully conveys.”

Forbes Arts Society Chairperson Trudy Mallick said the sculpture’s connection to the landscape was complementary to the theme of environmental sustainability that spans across the 100km trail.

For more information about the project, visit www.forbesartssociety.com.

MILESTONE… The Parkes CWA branch was formed on 4th April 1924 and currently has 225 members, including 8 juniors. The organising committee for the 100-year celebration were (L-R) Ann Olson, Lisa Bicket, Julia Macauly, Alice Milne (president) Dorothy Macdonald (member for 50 years) and Annette Moss. Insert: High tea at its best – CWA style.

There is only one way for the NSW CWA to celebrate its centenary and last Saturday 120 Parkes women were treated to a high tea out of the books, plus a fashion show, as the local branch celebrated this milestone occasion.

Established in 1922, “the ladies of the CWA forged a foundation of friendship and service that spread around the state and nation creating a legacy of strength and communities,” said Parkes President Alice Milne in her welcoming address at the Parkes Golf Club. “We seek to serve our community through friendship, advocacy and fundraising.”

Dorothy Macdonald, member of the Parkes branch for 50 years, reminisced about the friendship, good times and laughter over the years. “There are many treasured memories,” she said recalling how her mother was given life membership from the Peak Hill branch when she was 16 years old.

“At the age of 100 my mum still wanted to know what the CWA was doing.” She said Parkes branch had always been very busy and singled out catering for the opening of the Parkes Radio Telescope as a highlight. “Nothing was too hard, members are very skillful, accept all challenges and are able to achieve whatever they put their minds to, whether it is caring for others, or helping those in need to a love of cooking, flowers, music, and handicraft. “To enjoy what you do is not a chore and for all the years I have been involved with the CWA I have had the most enjoyable learning experiences in my life,” said Dorothy.