Geelong Bollards.... my tribute to the talented artist, Jan Mitchell

There are over 100 huge wooden sculptured bollards guiding visitors along the foreshore walking cycling track from Rippleside Park, through the Waterfront Geelong, to Limeburners Point & the Botanic Gardens in Eastern Park. Some of Jan's bollards also invite visitors to Geelong from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) & Avalon Airport at Little River. The colourful bollards are the work of artist, Janice Marie (Jan) Mitchell (1939-2008). Made from huge old wooden pylons recovered from the Yarra St Pier (Geelong) which was destroyed by fire in 1980's, the wood was sculptured, then painstakingly hand painted to depict anecdotal events, history & development of the Geelong region, from the times the local Koori people were the only inhabitants to modern times. The bollards were produced in the old wool stores on the Geelong Waterfront, opposite Cunningham Pier, Western Beach. Jan was commissioned by the City Of Greater Geelong Council, commencing in 1999 running over several years.

Jan Mitchell was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her work on transforming the Geelong Waterfront in 2006.

Following Jan's death, the bollards are maintained by artist/sign writer John Starr & Peter Roos, cabinet maker/timber carver.

I found it extremely interesting following the story of Jan's bollards at an exhibition held at Geelong Wool Museum in 2009. These are my photos in memory of Jan, hope you enjoy them viewed through my lens, or even better..... why not visit our City & see them yourself!!

Unfortunately I deleted photos taken of the bollards at Tullamarine, so will have to be a later post.... along with bollards at Barwon Heads, Victoria.

The Wonder of the Australian Pelican - pelecanus conspicillatus

I love them!

I have always been in constant wonder & awe of these beautiful, very large birds.. I could sit & watch them all day as they interact with their group (known as a pod, scoop or squadron), grooming & feeding, standing together before launching into flight one by one, in a somehow communicated understanding of which one is to be the first (perhaps a navigator, or head of the pecking order) in a well coordinated takeoff. I refer to them as "B-52 Bombers" being so large (1.6 to 1.8mtr in size & weighing up to 7kg!) & the swishing sound of their massive wings (up to 3.4mtr span) as they either lift up & away, or land with an almighty skidding/gliding motion & a huge splash!

I do feel a pang of disappointment when I visit our local river & sanctuary if the pelicans are absent! There is always many other varied birdlife, but is just not the same to me... silly I know!

These photos were taken in winter's morning light as 2 pelicans searched for food on the Barwon River before heading off to work. He saw me at the waters edge, & swam over looking me directly in the eye... no doubt checking out if I had any tasty morsels on offer!

This next photo depicts him (assuming is male here!) as he takes a scoop of water with his large bill which can hold up to 13 litres of water...

This next photo is one I took at Balyang Sanctuary some time ago, but is my favourite showing the magnificent colours of the bill & pouch. I believe it could've been during their courtship period, as the bill and pouch changes colour dramatically.

and of course, the grooming whilst perched on a branch!!

Up close & personal with Pelicans on the Barwon river this morning.... in the winter chill. Was absolute delight to stroll so close, they did keep a watchful eye on me....



Hope you enjoy these, some of nature's perfect wonders at our fingertips to enjoy!!