Lower Light protest statues facts for kids
The Dublin protest statues are a cool collection of large sculptures made from recycled metal. You can find them along the Port Wakefield Road in South Australia, between the towns of Lower Light and Dublin. These unique artworks include a giant rat, a huge blowfly, an old-fashioned outhouse (sometimes called a dunny), two people looking out from a platform, a UFO, a funny version of the famous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, and a tin man.
These amazing statues were created by a local farmer named Stephen Jones. He made them in the late 1990s to protest against a plan to build a big landfill (a place where rubbish is buried) in the area. The government at the time, led by John Olsen, wanted to replace an older waste centre with this new one. Even though the protest didn't stop the landfill from being built, the statues stayed! Today, they are seen as an important part of South Australia's history and culture. They were even suggested for special heritage protection in 2009 by David Winderlich.
One of the original statues was a cockroach. In 2013, the land where it stood was sold, and the cockroach had to move. It ended up in a scrapyard in a nearby town called Two Wells. A radio personality named Andrew Costello heard about it and started a campaign on Facebook to save it. He found out where the cockroach was and bought it for a small payment. After getting a makeover and spending some time in Rundle Mall in Adelaide, the cockroach was finally returned to its original home in 2014, joining its fellow protest statues.
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Contents
What Are the Dublin Protest Statues?
The Dublin protest statues are a series of large, eye-catching sculptures. They are built from recycled steel and other materials. Each statue is quite big, making them easy to spot from the road. They stand as a unique outdoor art display.
Who Made These Sculptures?
A local farmer named Stephen Jones created all the statues. He used his skills and creativity to turn scrap metal into these impressive artworks. His goal was to make a strong visual statement.
Where Can You Find Them?
The statues are located along the Port Wakefield Road. This road connects several towns in South Australia. They are placed between the small towns of Lower Light and Dublin. Many people drive past them every day.
Why Were the Statues Created?
The main reason for building these statues was to protest. A protest is when people show they are against something. Stephen Jones and others were against the plan to build a new landfill in their area.
What Was the Protest About?
The protest was about a proposed new landfill. A landfill is a large site where waste, or rubbish, is buried. The government wanted to build this new site in the late 1990s. Local residents were worried about the impact it would have on their environment and community.
The Outcome of the Protest
Even though the statues were a strong protest, the landfill plan went ahead. So, the protest was not successful in stopping the dump. However, the statues became famous. They are now a reminder of that time and the community's efforts.
The Story of the Cockroach Statue
One of the most talked-about statues is the cockroach. It has an interesting history of its own.
The Cockroach Moves Home
In 2013, the land where the cockroach statue stood was sold. The new owner decided to move the statue. It was taken to a scrapyard in a nearby town. This made many people sad.
A Community Effort to Bring It Back
A man named Andrew Costello started a campaign to bring the cockroach back. He used social media, like Facebook, to gather support. Many people joined in, showing how much they loved the statue.
The Cockroach Returns
Thanks to the campaign, Andrew Costello found the cockroach. He bought it from the scrapyard owners. After some repairs, the cockroach statue was put on display in Rundle Mall for a short time. Finally, in 2014, it was returned to its original spot on Port Wakefield Road. It now stands proudly with the other protest statues.
Why Are They Important Today?
The Dublin protest statues are more than just art. They are a part of South Australia's history. They show how people can express their views.
A Part of South Australian History
These statues are now considered an important part of the state's cultural history. They represent a moment when a community stood up for what they believed in. They are a unique example of public art with a message.
Nominated for Heritage Status
In 2009, the statues were even nominated for heritage status. This means someone suggested they should be protected because of their historical and cultural value. This shows how much they are valued by the community.
