Connie

This plaque is located on the Lake Cobden walking track, Shenfield St.

The process of determining its form and how it would be created was decided by a reference group of Cobden people.

In conjunction with the Corangamite Shire, the group invited
expressions of interest to design and manufacture the project. But, first, the preferred
sculptor had to understand what makes Cobden tick, and propose a design that reflected this understanding to the committee’s satisfaction.

Ultimately, the chosen sculptor (and blacksmith) was Richard Walker who operates High Country Forge in Smoko, a small settlement in the Ovens Valley in north-eastern Victoria.

Richard said a common theme arising from discussions with the reference group was how well the Cobden community works together which led to the design we see before us.

Titled ‘Connection’, the sculpture reflects the many constructive connections that exist within the Cobden community.

“The community banded together to make the lake area what it is today,” he said. “I thought it was a really good message – if people work together, then things happen.”

Exploring this idea, Richard incorporated an old blacksmithing technique of using drifts and wedges to connect two pieces.

“I made the sculpture, cut it in half and reassembled it using the large stainless steel wedges,” he said. “The idea is people are the wedges that hold the community together. If you remove the wedges, things can fall apart.”

Richard explained the water bird representation was an obvious reference to the bird-life on the lake. The Corten steel sculpture is in the shape of a swan’s neck with a stainless steel bill at its tip.

“The red-gum seat surrounding the sculpture provides a place for quiet reflection,” he said.

The 3.8 metre-high sculpture, installed on the lake’s banks in October 2018, was appropriately unveiled as a prelude to the annual community-organised Spring Festival, held a week later.

Residents are delighted with Richard Walker’s work and have already given it a nickname – ‘Connie’.

As one resident noted, “The sculptor’s concept is clear and easy to understand. It speaks for both the precinct and the community.”