Dura Gunga: Delivering First Nations Cultural Art as Public Infrastructure

The Context

Integrating authentic First Nations narratives into civic infrastructure requires more than just artistic vision; it demands a rigorous delivery framework that respects cultural protocols while meeting public safety standards. For the entrance to the new City Hall in Maroochydore, the Sunshine Coast Council required a landmark piece that would permanently embed the Gubi Gubi story into the built environment.

The challenge was to translate ancient ecological knowledge into a contemporary, large-scale public asset. This required bridging the gap between traditional storytelling and modern fabrication techniques to deliver a permanent legacy for the region.

The Collaboration

POMO was engaged to lead the design and delivery of this significant work, collaborating directly with acclaimed First Nations artist Lyndon Davis. Working in secret for over a year to respect cultural sensitivities, we partnered with construction specialists Boyd Built to ensure the artistic vision was installed onsite.

Delivering Dura Gunga: The Implementation Process

Our role was to act as the “technical translator” for the artist, managing the complex journey from cultural narrative to built reality. We worked with Lyndon to turn his concept into a tangible outcome managing all aspects of the design process and delivery process.

Technical Design & Fabrication

We managed the entire technical documentation process for the 4-metre-tall aluminium sculpture. This involved translating Lyndon Davis’s hand-painted designs based on ancient patterns found on Gubi Gubi artefacts, into a surface treatment that could withstand the coastal elements. The work depicts the leader Mullet fish, a story of sustainable fishing practices passed down through generations.

Engineering & Installation

Public art of this scale requires RPEQ-certified engineering to ensure structural integrity in a public zone. POMO managed the fabrication, painting, and installation process, ensuring the sculpture met all safety and durability requirements for a high-traffic civic precinct.

Cultural Protocol Management

The project demanded a sensitive approach to cultural expression. We facilitated a process that allowed the artist to determine the correct cultural protocols for the work, ensuring the red and black surface patterns were applied with strict adherence to traditional significance.

The Impact

Unveiled during the mullet season, the work serves as a permanent educational tool, teaching the wider community about traditional ecological knowledge. It anchors the modern City Hall in the deep history of the land, creating a powerful sense of place and identity.

By managing the technical delivery, POMO empowered a local Indigenous artist to take a leading role in shaping the public realm, proving that cultural expression can be delivered as robust, permanent urban infrastructure.

Commissioned by: Sunshine Coast Council
Artist: Lyndon Davis
Design and Delivery: POMO
Construction Partners: Boyd Built

Sustainability Outcomes

Social Sustainability Outcomes

Celebrates and Preserves First Nations Culture: This is a profound social outcome. The sculpture makes the ancient knowledge and cultural heritage of the local Gubi Gubi people visible and permanent in a prominent civic space. It acts as a powerful statement of recognition and respect for the traditional custodians of the land.
Provides Public Education and Storytelling: The artwork is not just decorative; it is a narrative piece that teaches a specific story about traditional ecological practices. It educates the wider community about the sophisticated and sustainable relationship First Nations people have with their environment, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
Creates a Strong Sense of Place and Identity: By embedding a significant local First Nations story at the entrance to City Hall, the sculpture creates a unique and authentic sense of place for Maroochydore. It roots the modern civic building in the deep history of the region, strengthening local identity for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents.
Empowers Local Indigenous Artists: The project provides a major platform for a local First Nations artist, Lyndon Davis, to share his culture and talent with a broad audience. This supports the local creative economy and empowers Indigenous artists to take a leading role in shaping the public realm.

Environmental Sustainability Outcomes

Champions Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK): The sculpture’s central theme—the story of the leader Mullet fish—is a powerful lesson in sustainable resource management. It showcases a traditional practice that ensures the long-term health of the fish population. By bringing this knowledge into the public consciousness, it promotes a mindset of environmental stewardship and respect for natural cycles.
Durable Materials for Longevity: The use of robust aluminium for the sculpture ensures its permanence and durability in an outdoor setting. This longevity means the artwork will not need frequent replacement, reducing the long-term environmental impact associated with manufacturing, materials, and maintenance.
Fosters a Deeper Connection to the Local Ecosystem: The artwork directly connects the community to the natural rhythms of their specific location (the mullet season in the local estuary). This strengthens the bond between people and their local environment, which is a critical foundation for fostering a desire to protect and conserve local ecosystems.

Ready to build meaningful cultural assets?

Contact POMO to discuss how we can partner for the delivery of your next public art commission.

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