Out the front of the CTC Robertson is a mosaic pathway depicting significant elements of the history of Robertson – both Indigenous and European. It includes an area made up of potato cobblestones in recognition of the importance of Robertson as a potato growing area.
The pathway was a public art project by local artist Celeste Coucke. It was completed in 2006.
Children from Robertson Public School were part of the design process. It was decided to work around the theme of pathways – looking at the history of roads and pathways in the Robertson district. Gundungurra elder, Auntie Val Mulcahy, came to one of the design workshops and talked with the children about the Gundungurra people.
The artworks take the form of a huge map of the Robertson area. They depict some of the pathways in the area as well as defining features such as the escarpment. Passes like the Butter track and Bong Bong Pass, which were important trade routes for the early white settlers in the district and were shown to the white settlers by Gundungurra people, are defined using Gundungurra language. A large representation of Hoddle’s original track is included. John Hanrahan’s track (following approximately along Jamberoo Mountain Rd) which opened Robertson to the first white selectors, is defined with a section of commentary describing the journey taken from Hanrahan’s obituary. It’s a celebration of a unique part of Robbo history.
“Around 1700 ceramic cobblestones for the pathway have been made in community art work shops – people of all ages and abilities took part. Again, these cobblestones refer to a unique Robertson icon- they take the shape of the humble potato. They are quirky- everyone has enjoyed making them. My guess is that they will create a smile on the face of all who walk upon them. I have also created a new term of measurement. I call it the “Robbo”, where 100 potatoes equals one square metre. The potato will never be the same for me again. “ said Celeste during the project.
More than 200 community members were involved in working with Celeste on the project.
The pathway was a public art project by local artist Celeste Coucke. It was completed in 2006.
Children from Robertson Public School were part of the design process. It was decided to work around the theme of pathways – looking at the history of roads and pathways in the Robertson district. Gundungurra elder, Auntie Val Mulcahy, came to one of the design workshops and talked with the children about the Gundungurra people.
The artworks take the form of a huge map of the Robertson area. They depict some of the pathways in the area as well as defining features such as the escarpment. Passes like the Butter track and Bong Bong Pass, which were important trade routes for the early white settlers in the district and were shown to the white settlers by Gundungurra people, are defined using Gundungurra language. A large representation of Hoddle’s original track is included. John Hanrahan’s track (following approximately along Jamberoo Mountain Rd) which opened Robertson to the first white selectors, is defined with a section of commentary describing the journey taken from Hanrahan’s obituary. It’s a celebration of a unique part of Robbo history.
“Around 1700 ceramic cobblestones for the pathway have been made in community art work shops – people of all ages and abilities took part. Again, these cobblestones refer to a unique Robertson icon- they take the shape of the humble potato. They are quirky- everyone has enjoyed making them. My guess is that they will create a smile on the face of all who walk upon them. I have also created a new term of measurement. I call it the “Robbo”, where 100 potatoes equals one square metre. The potato will never be the same for me again. “ said Celeste during the project.
More than 200 community members were involved in working with Celeste on the project.
