Have you ever wondered what lay beneath the surface of the Moonee Ponds Creek? The creek runs through the northern suburbs of Melbourne, but beneath its waters lies a fascinating history. Right here, in front of you, are the Moonee Ponds Creek Totems, 2003 by Glenn Romanis. Three monumental sculptures stand proudly along the creek’s edge, their forms echoing the past. These totems are a powerful reminder of how this once-wild waterway has been shaped by human hands. The first totem, a towering structure of rusted steel, represents the creek as a place of abundant natural resources. It speaks of the Indigenous people who lived and thrived along its banks for thousands of years. The second totem, made of woven timber and concrete, captures the industrial era. It reflects the factories and industries that lined the creek, polluting its waters and altering its landscape. The final totem, a towering stack of bricks, evokes the post-industrial era. It speaks of the efforts to clean up the creek and restore its natural beauty. The Moonee Ponds Creek Totems are not just a celebration of the creek’s history; they are a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship. So the next time you see a creek, remember that it’s more than just a waterway – it’s a window into our past, a reflection of our present, and a beacon for our future.
Kororoit Creek
Is this where the river meets the sea? This is Kororoit Creek. It flows right here through Melbourne’s western suburbs