Community members are encouraged to have their say about what they would like to see installed on Cockburn Central Station's tower through a public survey which opened today.
The most popular option will replace the long-standing Cockburn faces artworks, which were commissioned during construction of the Mandurah Line and have watched over commuters since the station's 2007 opening. They were removed in October this year due to safety concerns surrounding their deteriorating condition.
The artwork, titled Faces of the Community (2006), was created by artists Marco Marcon and Rodney Glick, who used specialist software to merge digital photographic portraits of more than 200 local residents.
The four options available are the installation of an analogue clock, digital advertising screens, a new piece of artwork or replacing the original Cockburn faces.
To complete the survey, click here. The survey will close on January 2, 2020.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Cockburn Station tower is seen by thousands of people a day, whether it's from the freeway, the train or visitors to Cockburn Central, so whatever its new face will be we want to make sure it's appealing and fun.
"One of the main ideas behind public art is that it stimulates public debate, and the Cockburn faces have definitely been a polarising piece of artwork since their installation.
"Many people have an opinion about what they think should go up there, and now is their chance to be part of the conversation.
"I look forward to the community embracing this opportunity to be involved in this process."
As stated by Cockburn MLA Francis Logan:
"As the local member for Cockburn for nearly two decades, I would say the 'faces of Cockburn' has probably been one of the most talked about topics in the electorate.
"Everybody always asks: 'What are those faces for? Are they people who are missing?'.
"As pieces of art, the faces certainly got people talking, but perhaps not so positively.
"It's great that we now have an opportunity to put in place something that will be pleasing to the eye and practical.
"I personally support the installation of clocks on the four sides.
"It is a train station, after all, so they would be in keeping with the town centre concept we are trying to create at Cockburn Central, and drivers can also see them from the freeway.
"That's my view, but I would encourage everyone to have their say."
As stated by Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai:
"Finally the community gets a voice in deciding what replaces the existing artwork at Cockburn train station - The Faces!
"As a resident of Cockburn, and during my time as councillor, I was bombarded by many conversations within the community on What is that? Who are they? Can't we change it?
"To lay to rest the heated debate surrounding the artwork, I am delighted that Minister Saffioti has handed the community a fantastic opportunity to have input into what will become a well-recognised landmark for Cockburn."
