IN SERVICE TO

A memorial sculpture has been erected in South Australia celebrating Aboriginal Veterans, ensuring proper acknowledgment of service to Australia.

As part of a $61 million intersection upgrade in Panorama, South Australia, a series of public art, infrastructure and landscaping improvements was jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian Governments, commissioned to serve as a memorial for Aboriginal Veterans.

“This powerful art feature displays both the past Kaurna warriors who watched over their land for thousands of years and the Kaurna people who have served and continue to serve Australia,” states Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King.

“The Australian Government is proud to be a major contributor to this project, which reflects the rich First Nations history and culture in the region it represents.”

 A busy four-way intersection, the upgrades are located at the juncture of Goodwood, Springbank and Daws Roads. Standing atop a raised plinth marked with the word Mukapaanthi, the Kaurna word for remember, is a ceremonial flame sculpture and three laser-cut figures — a traditional Kaurna warrior, a solider representing the World Wars, and a modern-day solider. The significance of these figures are an acknowledgement and remembrance of the Kaurna people, who serve Australia both past and present.

With landscaping completed in the shape of a Kaurna shield, which represents the continuing connection with the hills, rocks and earth, and native plant selections associated with traditional cultural practices, the entire memorial is backed by the Australian and Aboriginal flags.

Witnessed daily by over 60 thousand vehicles as they pass, the Mukapaanthi memorial is a significant public project in the area. “Aboriginal people have served in every conflict that Australia has been involved in and far too often have not been properly acknowledged for their service. This monument is another step along the way of telling the truth about our shared history,” acknowledges South Australian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher.

The artwork was designed by Tania Taylor from the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and Helen Neyland from Entanglements Metal Art Studio, in collaboration with Katie Miller from
Cox Architecture.

The customised flame sculpture at the heart of the installation was designed and crafted by the talented team at Entanglements Metal Art Studio. Rendered in Corten Steel, the central piece stands 3-metres high and nearly 1.5-meters wide. Corten Steel was chosen for the sculpture to guarantee it would stand the test of time. Exposed as it is to the elements, this material choice will ensure it does not rust through, while also giving it a warm and textural aesthetic that gets better with age. The flame’s smooth, seamless curves defy the steel’s rigid nature, giving it a timeless look and rendering the bespoke artwork that much more special.

PROJECT PARTICULARS

Client Australian and South Australian Governments

Location Panorama, South Australia

Lead Architect COX Architects

Earthworks Intract Australia

Artwork Design & Manufacture Entanglements

Photography Chameleon Photography