Mosaic Path, Forest Park, Orbost, Vic, Australia - Mosaics on Waymarking.com

The path was complete between July and December, 1997, and uses thousands of irregularly broken flat, surface coloured, pieces of ceramic tile, embedded on a concrete with concrete grout. Some parts have 'copper log' edge, other is open to the grass. Each part of the story below has a section representing that scenario.

On a small boulder beside the Mosaic Path is a story, of how the country has changed with the coming of European settlers. It is a lengthy read, and difficult, as it is laser-etched onto a stainless steel plate. So, here goes:

MOSAIC PATH STORY

"In the nameless land before time some 20 Billion years ago, we believe an explosion took place. Matter was hurled into the cosmos. Eventually, galaxies with moons and planets formed.

"Symbolic ancient Shakras surround the head of the Rainbow Serpent, gathering in positive energies to create new life on earth. The dream-time Serpent imparts fertility, regeneration and wisdom. Light and water create rainbows this solar energy sustains all life. The Snow River emerges from beneath the Goannas claws.

"Species evolve and develop, For at least 50 thousand years man lives in this valley. Food sources are plentiful from land and sea. Beneath Mt. Ellery a Gunai Kurnai woman fishes from a bark canoe her possum skin coat protecting her from the cold. Wonderful animals, unique to our part of this planet abound, cuddly Koalas and Kangaroos. Laughing Kookaburras and Magpies warble their beautiful song. Life was good for a very very long time.

"Then change, the Goanna sensing disaster warns the people, they try to retreat back into a peaceful time, not wishing to endure all the terrors and hardships which were to befall them.

"Brave new men and women pioneer the land. Horsemen, like the man from Snowy River, open up this area. Bullock teams carry logs from the forest, homesteads and farms are worked with simple tools and enormous toil. From 1890 to 1916 the paddle steamer, Curlip navigates the Snowy River ferrying goods to and fro for the settlement of Orbost and district. It is built from local timbers from Tabbara.

"The fertile valley flourishes, growing food for near and far, pumpkins so huge children use them as boats, luscious corn, creamy milk, capsicums and beans.

"Amazing engineering and multi-cultural co-operation, the building of the Snowy Hydro-electric scheme, provides power to the ever growing cities and supplying water to dry farmland. The river is dammed in 1958. Only 1% of the original low trickles through a 15 cm pipe. the river Woman cries for love of water. She nurtures the present and extends new life. Her tears are also to replenish, nourish and cleanse away the mistakes of the past.

"Reflected in the water is the Sun, all the five elements, fire, water, earth, wood and air gather together. the man in the Moon ponders. Snow capped mountains sit majestic beneath the Southern Cross.

"Black Cockatoos call out to herald rain. The Turtle and Platypus frolic in the tranquil waters. The Lyrebird dances on his mound to impress his mate. Galahs circle overhead, their pink and grey plumage catching the light.

The past and present are observed through the eye of the eagle. It feels the aspirations of all those who laboured to create this path and those that now observe it. It witnesses the struggle of people to work in accord with each other and with the environment.

"We see the river clogging with sand. Species of animals and plants become extinct at an alarming rate. Blackberries invade the land, erosion and land, erosion and land degradation occurs, alarm bells are ringing.

"Just as elements that created life were attracted to each other, combined and then exploded into new life. Man and woman's attraction for each other develops into love, giving birth to the next generation. Their love enables them to nurture the child's unfolding of being.

"People find new ways of doing things, sustainable farming and resource management are used in these ventures. We realise that nature is not the enemy to be conquered but the bearer of gifts to be sustained, not exploited.

"We struggle to keep abreast of new technology. the world condenses, contact is not limited by oceans and distances. The World Wide Web connects one with the other like a spider web, though we embrace the possibilities of this new technology still at a very basic level. Women want water, H2O.

"Old man Goanna has decided to continue the journey into the future. He has hope that we can have a 'Unifies Australia which respects this land of ours, values the aboriginal heritage and provides justice and equity for all'.

"The river leaves the confines of the banks replenishing floodplain and estuary. The Owl, Bird of the night hunts, as does the Hawk, Bird of prey. A brilliant blue Kingfisher dazzles the eye. The magnificent eucalypt regenerates, giving life over to seed.

"Frogs, fish and crabs inhabit the area where the Snowy meets the sea. Dolphins and all sea creatures are refreshed by the rich waters of the Snowy River, as it merges with the salty waters of Bass Strait."


And so, as colourful, and convoluted as the story, the multi-coloured path meanders down from 'the place of great information for the Visitor of the area'! So walk the path, a couple of times even, and you will surely see things differently as you go in the other direction.

A "Big Thanks" to the many volunteers who put this together. As evidenced by a separate stainless steel plaque, which reads:

"This story is an artistic interpretation by the women who created this mosaic pathway, depicting the past, present and future aspirations we have for our mighty Snowy River. Collated and written by Therese Shead on behalf of the Women of the Snowy River Pathway Artists 2000.

"Uniting rural communities initiated this project by gathering the local female artists together to focus on an important issue for our community. We choose the Snowy River, it was a unanimous decision, to assist in feeding life back to the once mighty river through our artwork.

"Artists Di Deppler and Katherine Larkins co-ordinated and gave artistic direction and support whilst sharing their mosaic skills with 25 volunteer artists.

"THANKS TO THE 25 MOSAIC PATHWAY ARTISTS who volunteered a day a week over a 6 month period to create Snowy River Pathway Story.

"Trina Wilmot, Tina Brown, Lorraine Craigie, Bronwyn Di Bari, Natalie Evans, Val Donald, Lizie Finch, Lilla Cramer, Anna Wilson, Lynette Greenwood, Cheryl Stevenson, Debbie Chisolm, Patsy Hawkins, Geordie Webb, Mary McDonald, Helen Veldon, Linda Priest, Kate Earle, Ngaere Donald, Vivian Young, Christine Shield."

A cast bronze plaque (a little easier to read) is nearby, for the Path and 'Outside Wooden Display Carvings', which reads:

"MOSAIC PATH & CARVED TIMBER SCULPTURES
This Mosaic Path and Carve Timber Burl Sculptures were designed and created by the Women of the Snowy Orbost District Inc. as a result of the 'Uniting Our Rural Communities' project in 1997. The W.S.R.O. Inc. chose to address the concerns relating to the life of the Snowy River. The project was supported by Australia Council, the FAAW, Department of Primary Industries and Energy, East Gippsland Shire Council and Rotary of Orbost.

"The site was officially opened by
Mary Salce (Dairy Farmer, Sale)
on 15 December, 1997"

Visited a couple of times, and photographed: 1118-1125, Saturday, 14 May, 2016.

Specific visit requirements: Have a photo taken while standing on the path, and describe the day you are there. Did you meet the local geese? Address: 1 Nicholson Street Forest Park Orbost, Vic Australia 3888 Related web site: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   03/26/2019 blingg visited it