A new mural has been painted on the Waterhole Creek underpass in Morwell. The project was delivered by Latrobe City Council with local artist Charles Solomon, and it recognises the Brayakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai Nation. Painters Bradley Brown, Erika Brown and Terry Hayes worked on the design, which is titled Rise and Shine. Mr Brown said the artwork is meant to encourage young people. Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson said the mural reflects the diversity of the community. The mural is expected to be finished by the end of the month.
A three-metre mirrored sculpture by artist Paul Ewart is installed on the Bondi clifftops as part of Sculpture by the Sea. Titled Both Sides Now, the work uses the ancient Roman god Janus to explore polarisation and the loss of middle ground. Made from nearly 400 mirror-polished steel plates, the 260-kilogram piece has two faces looking in opposite directions. Ewart also holds a solo exhibition at QT Bondi, where he is artist-in-residence. Both Sides Now can be seen until November 2.
Sixty hand-polished concrete hearts have been installed at Marks Park, between Bondi and Tamarama beaches in Sydney, as part of Sculptures By The Sea. Each heart represents a woman killed by violence this year. Each is inscribed with phrases that can excuse, minimise or ignore violence, such as Asked for it and Boys will be boys. The work was created by Philippa Lysaght and Omi McCurdie. Lysaght said the aim is to encourage people to speak up when they hear such phrases.
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Cowes' Harmony Bells on Phillip Island remain silent, according to Bass Coast Shire Council, which says there are no plans to alter the installation or move the bells. Resident Darren Callesen questioned the decision at a recent council meeting, asking why the village's voice had been silenced and suggesting mallets be fitted or the bells relocated. Council CEO Greg Box responded on the council's behalf after consulting the artist, Dr Anton Hassell. The bells were stolen in 2021 but recovered by police before being shipped overseas.
First Nations artist Aunty Jeanie Mason said she was hurt that her contribution was not acknowledged at the opening ceremony of Wominjeka Plaza in Sunshine on 17 October. Her artwork is displayed at the plaza, which sits beside the Vietnamese Museum. Brimbank council later passed a motion to congratulate her at a meeting on 20 October. Mayor Virginia Tachos described her artwork, Community Together, as central to the plaza's meaning. Council also published a media release acknowledging her contributions. Council did not give a reason for the omission when asked.
A giant yabby statue now stands in Windorah, a Queensland town of about 100 people known for its international yabby races. The 4.6-metre sculpture was unveiled on Albert Street during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Barcoo Shire Council funded the $13,000 project, which artist Jobella Bennett built from sheet metal and bird wire over three months. Mayor Sally O'Neil hopes the statue will attract tourists who stay longer and boost economic development. University of the Sunshine Coast history lecturer Amy Clarke says Australia continues to build more big things than many other countries.
A public art project called Two Kings at King George V Park in Port Kembla tells the story of the suburb's history. The work consists of eight terrazzo plinths with tiles showing photographs and text. It features King George V and King Mickey of the Illawarra, a prominent Aboriginal man. Other plinths cover the Aboriginal history of the landscape, the Southside Festival, local groups and the area's industrial past. The park was greened from 2009 by community members and volunteers, and it now includes a community-built skate park.
Local children are helping shape a new nature-based play space and picnic shelter in Davidson Park, Beaudesert. Scenic Rim Council says the adventure play area will include picnic shelters and extra seating, with artworks that reflect the region's landscape and history. Primary school students, First Nations artists and community members have taken part in workshops that guide the design. A contractor has been selected for the project, which is receiving $430,000 from the Australian Government through the SEQ City Deal.
A video piece from The Lorikeet, presented by Huw Bradshaw, looks into the large, multi-clock fountain standing in the centre of the Hornsby mall. The feature, published on 20 October 2026 by Brad Esposito, brings together a sculptor, a local council and several clocks in its account of the structure. The source material is brief, so further details about its design, cost or history are not included here. Readers are directed to the video for the full explanation of the fountain.
Two friends, Philippa Lysaght and Omi McCurdie, have installed dozens of concrete hearts at Marks Park in Bondi as part of this year's Sculpture by the Sea. Each heart represents a woman killed by a former or current partner this year, and the number was increased from 52 to reflect a particularly bad year for violence against women. The phrases etched into the hearts reflect language that excuses, minimises or ignores violence. The hearts will go on sale, with proceeds going to Women's Community Shelters. The exhibition marks 30 years since its founding in 1977.
This year's Sculpture by the Sea has again turned the 2km Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk in Sydney's east into an outdoor sculpture park. The exhibition marks 30 years since its first show in 1997 and is known as the world's largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition.
Lalor's laneways in Melbourne's north are set for new murals, light projections and public art under Whittlesea council's Lively Lalor project. A free community pop-up at Peter Lalor Walk on Saturday 24 October, from 10am to 1pm, will let locals meet the selected artists. Mayor Lawrie Cox said the project celebrates the area's diverse community. Artworks will be rolled out across 2026-27, with installation expected to begin in December this year and a community celebration planned for February 2027.
Lalor's laneways are set for new murals, light projections and public art across the Lalor Shopping Centre precinct. The City of Whittlesea's Lively Lalor Laneways project aims to celebrate the area's people, cultures and stories. Residents can meet the artists and share what they love about Lalor at a free pop-up at Peter Lalor Walk on Saturday 24 October, from 10am to 1pm. Installation is expected to begin in December 2026, with a community celebration planned for February 2027. The project is supported by the Victorian Government and the council.
Wyndham City's Light Box Project is back for a second year, placing new artworks by local artists on community facilities. Naimo Omar, Ammar Yonis and Ayelet Brooks each have a work displayed in illuminated lightboxes. Omar's Isii Nafta is at Arndell Park Community Centre in Truganina, and Yonis' As Long As I'm Near is at Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre. Brooks' Just a Wallflower is at Point Cook Community Learning Centre. The artworks can be viewed by day and lit at night until June 30, 2027.
Lane Cove Council has launched a new Aboriginal public art mural at Gallery Lane Cove. The work, by Dr Emma Hicks and Merindah Funnell, was developed with guidance from Auntie Jeanie Moran. It traces the Lane Cove River from creeks and bushland to the bay, showing the links between land, water and living systems. The mural was funded through the council's Sustainability Levy. At the same event, the council dedicated eight new pottery wheels to the gallery's creative studios, which will widen access to ceramics for more community members.
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Canberra's Craft + Design Festival will run from 5 to 15 November under the theme Dissent. More than 130 events featuring over 500 creatives will cover art, architecture, fashion and performance, and many are free. Highlights include the Canberra Kinetic Sculpture Race on Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra Open Homes tours. Festival CEO and artistic director Jodie Cunningham said the theme is about questioning accepted ways of doing things and imagining something better. The free opening celebration is on 5 November in Civic Square.
