The Bradbury underpass is one of the iconic spots of Campbelltown. For people who live in East Campbelltown and Bradbury it provides a shortcut to the fast food outlets of southern Queen Street.
Traffic through the underpass has increased since the opening of the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands, as people who came to town on a bus or train duck into this underpass for quick access to the new aquatic facility built next to Bradbury Oval.
The launch on Saturday of a new public artwork titled Ngalambay, (“ripple’’ in the Dharawal language), means they can also enjoy, for free, some alfresco art.
Artists Maddison Gibbs and Danielle Mate have collaborated to bring the community Ngalambay, a site-specific immersive portal through time and space.
Linking Water, Mother, Country and Minerva Pools (a significant Dharawal women’s birthing site), this underwater cultural journey invites users of the underpass to reflect on the cycles of life.
The artwork was developed in collaboration with women from the local Dharawal community, paying homage to Aunty Kay Bussell, traditional water cleansing ceremony and the generous sharing of cultural stories of the Campbelltown region.
The artists’ flowing water motif was further brought to life with additional lighting and mirror details, fabricated and installed by Curio Projects.
Campbelltown Mayor Darcy Lound was joined at the official opening ceremony by representatives of Transport for NSW, along with artists and members of the community.
The opening ceremony consisted of local First Nations ceremonial proceedings and dance performances, followed by artist workshops for the community to enjoy.
“This artwork is a wonderful addition to our community,’’ Mayor Cr Darcy Lound said.
“It aligns with our commitment to embed art and culture in our every day in the hopes that it will spark conversation, celebrate our shared stories, and remind us that creativity can help bring us together.
“Revitalising this space will further encourage residents to utilise a safer, more direct route to the Billabong Parklands from other key sites in our community,” Cr Lound said.
This project is funded by the NSW Government through Transport NSW’s Places to Love program.
