Parramatta Square to get Eels artworks in tribute to area

An eight-metre tall chrome statue of the bus bought by legendary Parramatta Eels coach Jack Gibson will be stood on its nose in the city’s new square.

An eight-metre tall chrome statue of the bus bought by legendary Parramatta Eels coach Jack Gibson for his premiership winning first grade team in 1981 will be stood on its nose in the new Parramatta Square precinct.

It is one of two artworks commissioned by Parramatta Council at a budgeted cost of $5 million to embrace a historic period in footy history and also capture the indigenous heritage of the River City.

“I loved getting on that bus,” said former Parramatta second rower Peter Wynn. “Because it meant you were on the team representing the Eels.”

Artist’s impression of the 8m-tall chrome bus which will pay tribute to the vehicle that ferried the 1981 premiership-winning Eels around town.

Gibson bought the 1960s Leyland Worldmaster bus for the team to meet on after the stadium burnt down. That team went on to win back to back premierships in 1982 and 1983.

“It was a unique situation to be in,” Wynn said. “It’s a huge mark of respect for the Council to commission this and shows just what a big part NRL plays in the Parramatta district.”

The giant chrome bus is the brainchild of Western Sydney based artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro and will also capture other parts of Parramatta history including the story of The Flying Pieman, the 19th century entrepreneur.

“The aspirational tale of an imaginative gathering space of humble origins leading to incredible success is the central inspiration for our artwork Place of Eels,” the artists said.

“The celebration of the brilliant ‘can-do’ vision of Jack Gibson, manifested within the vertical bus, reinforces the idea that Parramatta is a successful, creative gathering space.”

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The second sculpture by artist Reko Rennie called Where Eels Lie Down creates two giant aluminium and granite eels to illustrate the Aboriginal heritage of the area.

They were selected from more than 110 submissions including from artists in the USA, Spain and Japan by a panel including representatives from the arts, design and council.

Councillor Steven Issa said: “There is no doubt these works will provide a ‘wow’ factor to Parramatta Square and become a local attraction.”

Mayor Bob Dwyer said: “These striking pieces tell the story of Parramatta – from our indigenous foundations to our sporting culture – and will become iconic landmarks of this great city.”

New artwork for Parramatta Reko Rennie's 'Where Eels Lie Down' indigenous artwork shows a fluro depiction of two eels.

The shiny bus statue has brought together the worlds of art and sport. Parramatta Eels chief executive Jim Sarantinos said: “It’s fantastic that this artwork will be created as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Eels first premiership in 2021.

“The impact of the Eels first premiership on the city was significant and the use of such an iconic part of the premiership story pays tribute to the influence of Jack Gibson, Ron Massey and that legendary playing squad on the Club’s history,” he said.

Museum of Contemporary Art director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor said: “It is exciting to see Australian artists being commissioned by City of Parramatta Council for significant public art commissions in Parramatta Square.

“It’s wonderful to see their impressive commissions for Western Sydney which are deeply imbued with Darug, migrant and local community histories, and will create spaces for the peoples of Parramatta to gather and connect.”

But the artwork has raised one question – where is the original Leyland bus now? Peter Wynn said: “I don’t know – but I would love to get back on it one more time.”

Originally published as Parramatta Square to get Eels artworks in tribute to area