Spirit Poles
In 2008 Artist Frances Harrison Gunai Yuin Monaro, Cultural Adviser Lennie Hayes Gunai Bidawal and non Indigenous Artist Catherine Larkins, collaborated with Lakes Entrance Aboriginal community to make the first permanent Gunaikurnai sculpture installation since colonisation.
Made from Iron Bark trees locally harvested at Lake Tyers Trust , the Spirit Poles represent the five clans of the Gunaikurnai people. Each pole has hotwire burnings representing the birds and animals from that clan area. Sited at the entranceway to Gippsland Lakes Community Health Centre, the poles welcome and encourage Aboriginal people to visit the doctor. The Spirit Poles are testimony to the enormous progress that has been made towards reconciliation and the fostering of community pride in Aboriginal culture.