Striking Honeysuckle Artwork Showcased On New Video

10 August 2024

Newcastle, 1 July 2024—Hunter and Central Coast Development Corporation (HCCDC) have released a new video showcasing a striking new Aboriginal artwork, Yimaliko Makoro, on the bank of Cottage Creek in Newcastle’s Honeysuckle precinct. The artwork, created by First Nations artists Raymond and Tyler Smith, features ten cast aluminium fish mounted on 2.3-metre poles, symbolising a school of fish moving through the creek.

The name Yimaliko Makoro translates to “encourage the fish,” reflecting the creek’s historical significance as a vital food source for Aboriginal communities and recent efforts to rejuvenate the waterway. The artwork forms part of a broader public art strategy tied to the Honeysuckle Redevelopment, showcasing the area’s rich cultural heritage.

Valentina Misevska, Chief Executive of HCCDC, highlighted the importance of integrating cultural and environmental elements within the precinct. “This new artwork in the green space next to the Little National Hotel perfectly links with the ‘Layers of Us’ Indigenous artwork on the nearby footbridge, forming a cultural walking route that tells the story of the site’s significance to First Nations peoples,” she said.

The artwork is complemented by efforts to restore Cottage Creek’s natural environment, with the installation of sandstone banks and reefs designed to attract sea life back into the area. This initiative aligns with the core message of Yimaliko Makoro—a reminder of the interconnectedness of actions and their impact on the environment.

Raymond and Tyler Smith, the artists behind the sculpture, expressed their pride in contributing to the preservation of their cultural heritage. “Embedded within Aboriginal culture is a profound reverence for environmental preservation. This sculpture symbolises the interconnectedness of actions and their reverberating impact on the environment,” they said.

The new artwork is now a prominent feature within the Honeysuckle precinct, inviting both locals and visitors to engage with the cultural and environmental narrative it represents. Proudly funded by the NSW Government, this installation continues the tradition of enhancing public spaces while honouring the deep connection First Nations people have with the land and waterways.