Stage 1
Tommy McRae, a traditionally raised First Nations man, lived and worked in this region with his wife and family. He became a well-recognised artist in his time, with his highly-regarded works held at museums, libraries and galleries around Australia. Stage 1, a replica of one of Tommy’s drawings of family, was cut out of stainless steel by Benjamin Gilbert – Agency of Sculpture, Yackandandah, & was installed at the Lake King wetlands mid 2021. His family – great, great granddaughter, Jean Morgan, grandchildren, aunts and cousins were proud to endorse this tribute, and attended the opening. Jean spoke of her mixed and bittersweet feelings: both honoured by Tommy’s recognition but saddened by the dysfunction and knowledge lost to the family with stolen generations. The work and accompanying storyboard were funded by community donations and can be viewed from the Rotary ‘deck’ thanks to the local Men’s Shed crew who jumped in to install the sign.
Stage 2
The Stage 2 site is adjacent to the Rotary deck and Stage 1 storyboard, and will need rock-moving equipment for its installation. The piece is by Waradgerie sculptor Lorraine Connelly-Northey, who works with discarded European Settler’s materials. It is ready to install and is her tribute to Tommy McRae (Yackadun) as as a First Nations Elder, a provider for his family and a custodian of Country and culture. Her work, like his, will invite us to imagine the traditional lifestyle of First Nations people and to connect with how the tribute family would have lived. So, once the surrounds are dry enough, the final piece of our tribute will be added to the existing Sculpture Trail, enhancing our connection to Place and shared history.There is a general map in a Rutherglen booklet at the Info centre, plus the detailed “Arts Rutherglen Sculpture & Portal Trail” was recently updated.
Stage 3
The third and final part of the homage is nearly complete.
The canoe, worked by Waradgerie artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey from a discarded First Settler water pipe, has been set onto the stones as if Tommy just pulled it from the water after fishing for his family. An information sign describing her vision is ready to be installed at the Rotary deck.
Landscaping continues and the installation will soon be finalised, with a future official ‘opening’ event planned.
The installation has been a long time coming and Arts Rutherglen would like to thank everyone involved for their generosity and patience: the Family, the artist, the donors, local volunteers, Arts Rutherglen committee and especially Rob & Ro Porter for their vision, drive and untiring navigation of this project.
The Arts Rutherglen committee also offers their profound condolences to Ro and family on the recent death of Rob – our friend and an inspirational community member.
The Latest on Tommy's Tribute
Our homage to Tommy McRae continues
The third and final part of the homage is nearly complete. The canoe, worked by Waradgerie artist Lorraine Connelly-Northey from a discarded First Settler water
The Tommy McRae project, an update…
We are underway! Thanks to Ricky Hiskins and Dave Edwards, our new art work – Stage 2 of the Tommy McRae Project by Waradgerie sculptor
The Tommy McRae project continues
Walking around the Lake, visitors and locals have all admired the Tommy McRae tribute which glistens in the sunlight and off the water. Walkers might
Tommy McRae Tribute – Opening Celebration
We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate with us our official opening of the Tommy McRae Tribute at Lake King Park in Rutherglen on
Tommy McRae Tribute- Stage 1 at Lake King
You may have noticed a new sculpture at Lake King. Stage 1 of the proposed Tommy McRae tribute has been installed. It is a replica