In the early hours of next Monday, early risers across our community will turn their eyes to the horizon as break of day provides time for reflection on Anzac Day 2022.
On Port Kembla's Hill 60 Reserve, the sun's first days will reflect upon the five-metre tall metal alloy structure that forms part of the Eye on the Horizon on its first Anzac Day. The new public artwork was installed late last year in recognition of the site as a military precinct and a key location in the country's coastal defence network.
"The Eye on the Horizon artwork was designed by artist Braham Stevens to draw people in to consider the site's role in the Australian war effort during World War II," Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"Designed to look like a large-scale curved lens, the centre captures the surrounding landscape that would be reflected in a soldier's eye as they scanned the horizon for enemies.
"Hill 60 has been the site of much history including that of Aboriginal people. This sculpture is one interpretation of the history of this important location and its occupation.
"As we participate in Anzac Day this year, we'll be recognising the event within a global context of unrest and uncertainty. I think it's now more important than ever to reflect on our history and the impact that war, including World War II, has had on a local level.
"Anzac Day is a time for reflection, and I would suggest that you visit the artwork in Port Kembla and take in the physical space of the site which once played a role in the Australian war effort."
The artwork was funded by the Australian Government under the Saluting their Service Commemorative Grants Program and has been supported by Wollongong and Port Kembla / Dapto Local RSL Sub-branches. The sculpture also forms part of the first stage of works that make up the Hill 60 masterplan, and is the second installation of themed artworks associated with the Ngaraba-aan Trail.
See: Keep an eye out for Port Kembla's newest artwork.
In the lead up to Anzac Day, Council's parks crews have been working hard to ensure the areas around the city's war memorials has been mown and maintained. Staff have used hand mowers and whipper snippers to carry out this important work with the ground conditions in our parks and gardens too soggy for our traditional heavy mowers.
"We know it's really important to our community – and to us – that our memorials are in the best condition they can be on April 25, and I thank the staff for their hard work and care to ensure that people will be able to pay their respects on this significant date,'' Cr Bradbery said.
"Anzac Day continues to be an important date for reflection for our community and I anticipate we'll see more people out this year to remember and acknowledge the men and women who have served in Australia's and New Zealand's armed forces.
"It's also an opportunity to be reminded of the cost of war in human lives, destruction and misery. Let us remember and reflect upon the need for peace and stability in our world today, so that the sacrifice of the Anzacs shouldn't be in vain.
"I remind everyone who is planning to attend to do so safely. Please be mindful of people moving around the city's many cenotaphs in the early hours, please keep up your social distancing practices and work together to keep each other safe.''
To support the CBD's Anzac Day events, several roads in the Wollongong CBD will be closed between 4.30 and 6am for the 5am Dawn Service and between 9am and 12 noon for the 10am March.
