Dorrigo’s newest sculpture has debuted at its new home on the corner of Hickory and Vine streets, on the way out to Dangar Falls.
Commissioned in 2022, Council has been working closely with artist Sandra Pitkin to install Dorrigo’s latest piece of public art.
Named ‘Protection’, the sculpture’s outer triangular frame, inspired by the mountains, rivers, waterfalls and hills of the Dorrigo Plateau, safeguards the delicate Waratah flowers in the centre of the stainless-steel structure.
“When I was approached to create a sculpture for Dorrigo, I felt strongly that the work needed to connect with the place – the land and the people of the Dorrigo area.
“I chose to focus specifically on the endangered Dorrigo Waratah,” said artist Sandra Pitkin.
“Finding and working with a fabricator who was able to realise my concepts required trust and teamwork.”
Bellingen Shire Council Mayor Steve Allan, acknowledged that it’s been quite a process over the past four years to get from concept to physical installation.
“A suitable site had to be found, planning and road approvals navigated, and potential costs discussed,” Mayor Allan said.
“Council wanted to ensure the community was supportive of the idea, so the artist embarked on a lengthy period of engagement to see how the locals felt about it.”
“The results were overwhelmingly positive with only one person raising concern out of more than 100 responses,” he said.
“In 2025, Council approved the sculpture to go ahead, agreed to pay for the installation, accept ownership of the sculpture and look after the artwork’s ongoing maintenance. And then of course there were the usual challenges of fabrication, installation and lighting – all landing us here, four years later with a beautiful piece of public art to celebrate.”
Mayor Allan thanked Council staff and the philanthropist who made a generous donation to enable to the work to proceed. For Ms Pitkin, she hoped the work inspires connection.
“My hope is that Protection continues to connect to community and environment as I intended,” she said.
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