The Camden Civic Centre was officially reopened after a $9.9 million upgrade, enhancing its facilities as a modern, multi-purpose venue. The project included improved workspaces, public art installations, and a new grand piano. The council and government funding ensured a functional space for community events, strengthening local cultural support.
Category: Public art
Discover the Golden Fleece Globe Light at Camden Museum
The Camden Museum showcases the Golden Fleece Globe Light, a plastic ram, symbolizing Australia's wool industry and its historical significance. Donated by Milton Ray in 2002, it highlights the Golden Fleece brand's marketing legacy. The ram, based on a prized merino, represents both local history and broader national heritage.
Discovering Australia’s Hidden Historical Sites
The local historical and cultural landscape in Australia is highly fragmented, lacking a central repository for information. Various apps, websites, and blogs exist but offer scattered data. Clio, a well-coordinated platform in the USA, exemplifies effective organization of local history, contrasting with Australia's disjointed efforts, which face funding challenges.
Discover the Hidden Signatures of Camden’s Former Bank
In Camden's old bank building, a hidden strongroom features signatures of former bank employees, each telling a unique story. Now part of Camden Markets Collective, these signatures are viewed as graffiti art, reflecting local history and culture. The community seeks to preserve this unique public art for future generations.
Narellan Town Centre Revitalization: a community-centric approach through placemaking
The redevelopment of Narellan Town Centre in 2017 enhanced its community space through placemaking, incorporating public art and amenities. Valued at $200 million, the extension nearly doubled its size, accommodating 100+ retailers and encouraging social interactions. The design reflects local history, fostering cultural identity and community engagement, achieving successful early usage by families.
Creative Kids: Art Play Workshops at Narellan Town Centre
Over two weeks, the Narellan Town Centre hosted 'Art Play' workshops for kids aged 5 to 12, featuring various creative activities led by artists from the Alan Baker Art Gallery. The free sessions attracted over 200 children daily, providing an engaging and stress-free school holiday opportunity for families while fostering creativity and artistic skills.
The Role of Scarlet Fever in Literature and Film
Scarlet fever, the disease, historically depicted in literature and film, caused widespread fear and hardship, significantly impacting dairy farming communities. Numerous works illustrate its societal ramifications and personal tragedies. Notable figures who contracted scarlet fever included Thomas Edison and members of the Darwin family. Scarlet fever emerged in Camden in the late 1890s, prompting the establishment of a cottage hospital due to its severe impact on dairy farmers.
Sarah Ashcroft: Art as a Journey of Healing
The Camden area boasts a vibrant art culture, featuring public art and local artists like Sarah Ashcroft. After retiring from the NSW Police Force due to PTSD, Sarah found solace in drawing, particularly architectural pieces. She aims to preserve local history through her art while promoting awareness about mental health and creativity.
Exploring Greg Johns’s public art installation outside the Oran Park Leisure Centre
At the front of the Oran Park Leisure Centre is Greg Johns' art installation, Vortex Mandala, which was inaugurated on 21 October 2024. This public artwork reflects swirling patterns symbolizing energy flow and consciousness. Johns, influenced by the Adelaide Hills, aims to create significant public sculptures that engage viewers and enhance the local environment.
Exploring the ‘Infinity Tracks’ Art Installation in Oran Park
The 'Infinity Tracks' art installation in Oran Park honors the region's heavy haulage industry, highlighting the historical impact of the transport industry and Oran Park Town urban development. Commissioned in 2020 by Greenfields Development Co and TRN House, it enhances the forecourt's aesthetic while reflecting the area's economic growth and employment contributions from the haulage sector and urban development.
