Mandalay sculpture unveiled

May 2009

The Shire of Mitchell’s newest residential and golf course development, ‘Mandalay at Beveridge’s’ iconic entrance sculpture was recently unveiled to the public on 12 May 2009.

The Shire of Mitchell Mayor, Cr. Bill Melbourne, officially unveiled the monumental structure by renowned Melbourne artist James Parrett, during the ceremony which was attended by local school children from the Beveridge Primary School, development representatives and James Parrett himself.

Artist James Parrett delivered a short speech on the importance of art in the urban environment that was well heeded by the school children who will now commence a ceramic art project hosted by Mandalay and will end with their work on show within the Mandalay sales office throughout July.

The development, a golf course residential development set to be home to more than 6000 people, was recently released to the public with stage one selling extremely well.

Mayor Melbourne said the delivery of a work such as that by Mr Parrett was an important inclusion to the Shire’s public art works and was a welcome symbol of unity and beauty.

“ Mitchell Shire is happy to see Metricon laying building blocks for the future in Beveridge. This new sculpture will act as the gateway to Beveridge, as a reference point for the town.”

“ By involving the local primary school in this art project, Metricon is working to ensure the community and the estate grow together, to form a bond for the years to come. It is important for everyone to work together in the coming years” said Mayor Melbourne.

The Mayor also praised Metricon for it’s efforts to involve the community in every step of the planning and development process.

“ Mitchell Shire Council is working side by side with Metricon to ensure that timely, proper planning is undertaken to achieve the best possible outcome for the area and the community. “

“The Mandalay project really has set a benchmark for any future development in Beveridge. Metricon is working with Mitchell Shire Council every step of the way to keep the community at the forefront of priorities.”

Development manager, Rod Binedell said the installation of Mr Parrett’s work was symbolic of the cyclical nature of life and reiterated the importance of urban art in the delivery of new urban projects such as Mandalay.

“ Mandalay will draw thousands of people to its doors over the coming years, whether as residents, visitors or golfers, and we felt this work provided a striking introduction to the community.

“ We expect it will become an iconic work within the community and stand as a true testament of the beauty and quality of the estate within.”

Mandalay recently released its first stage of allotments to buyers on 2 May. Lot prices currently start from $126,000.