As many of you will be aware, in the wake of the Black Summer bushfires local blacksmiths, Iain Hamilton and Philippe Ravenel, began an ambitious memorial project to build a commemorative metal tree. In their words, ‘We’re going to get everyone in the community to come out and forge a leaf and develop a sculpture that will last a thousand years.’

The project began with Iain and Philippe doing most of the initial ‘heavy lifting’ by donating their blacksmith premises and skilled labour as well as time spent organising the donation of other essential services and materials.

1500 leaves have already been completed with each one bearing the maker’s name but the finished sculpture will need an additional 500 to 1000 leaves. In addition to the leaves, the trunk and branches of the tree will be constructed in stainless steel requiring specialised welding and engineering skills.

To assist the project, the Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) will work to support future fundraising.

Three potential sites have been identified in Cobargo and an upcoming community consultation activity will ask community members to nominate which site they would prefer.

To assist with the required funding, Cobargo’s Bowerbird OpShop has donated $10k to enable the project to continue. As Bowerbird spokesperson, Trish Olsen, explains, ‘This is an important community project which deserves strong community support and we encourage community members and organisations to get behind it.’ In addition, the Bowerbird will mount a window display illustrating some of the finished leaves.

Iain Hamilton adds, ‘When the time comes to get more names on leaves, a number of stamping days will be posted on our Facebook page indicating where people can come and help stamp their name into a pre-made leaf.’ For further information keep an eye out on FB, other regular social media platforms and The Triangle.

Steve Williams