First Nations artist Danielle Mate has designed contemporary Aboriginal artwork for the walls of newly installed bat caves at the Lower Poulton Park, Blakehurst.
Danielle's artwork is the first permanent contemporary Aboriginal artwork in Georges River and has been designed to echo the distinctive shape of bats using a First Nations aesthetic.
A Murrawari and Euahlayi artist, Danielle said her designs are a contemporary reflection on the environment of which the bat caves are now situated.
"I want the work to be vibrant, playful, colourful and an exciting welcome for visitors to the park and creek," she said.
Georges River Council's Hurstville Museum and Gallery and the Georges River Public Art Reference Committee managed the commission.
"The choice of artist was "a unanimous decision," the selection panel stated. "We felt her design had a profound Aboriginal presence.
"Danielle's images firmly reference First Nations people's gathering and understanding of waterside sites as significant and important for survival and gathering of people on Country."
The recently completed Lower Poulton Park Naturalisation and Habitat Development has remediated an old depot site to provide connectivity to green corridors and provide habitat refuges.
Danielle Mate's artwork comes as part of the project, creating native habitats, such as bat caves, bee hotels, rock platforms and bird stands that have been established from repurposed materials to support native fauna populations in the park.
Georges River Mayor Nick Katris said, "The opening of the Lower Poulton Park will be a proud moment for the entire Georges River community - welcoming the true artistic reflection of Country and making a new home for native wildlife.
"Danielle's artwork will be a special acknowledgement of First Nations People, and a celebration for the traditional custodians of this land."
