ALEXANDER BUNYIP SCULPTURE FOR GUNGAHLIN

A sculpture of a popular children's book character has been commissioned by the ACT Government for the Gungahlin Town Park and will be installed in early 2011.

Chief Minister and Minister for the Arts and Heritage, Jon Stanhope, said Melbourne artist, Anne Ross, would re-create the character of Alexander Bunyip from the 1970s children's book, The Monster that Ate Canberra, by Michael Salmon.

"The Bunyip is well-known to those who lived in Canberra during the 1970s and 80s and still features on the shelves of our public libraries," Mr Stanhope said. "The idea for the sculpture came from the Gungahlin community and I believe it will make a lively addition to the Gungahlin Town Park."

The Monster that Ate Canberra tells the story of a short-sighted and hungry Bunyip who mistakes the National Library, Parliament House and other Canberra landmarks for food.

The idea for the sculpture was originally raised by the President of the Gungahlin Community Council, Mr Alan Kerlin, who received support from the community for the proposal. A representative from the Gungahlin Community Council was also involved in the selection of the artist.

The bronze sculpture will be installed in the Gungahlin Town Park, on the corner of Hibberson and Gozzard Streets and outside the new Gungahlin Library which is currently under construction.

The artist, Anne Ross, works predominantly in bronze and has completed public artwork commissions in Victoria for the Werribee Zoo, the City of Port Philip and the Frankston City Council. Her work is held in collections internationally.

For more information about public art in the ACT visit www.arts.act.gov.au

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au