Sydney’s four-storey ‘Uniting a Nation’ sculpture, gifted by millionaire Basil Sellers, is dividing the NSW Baird Government

THE millionaire philanthropist, the former tourism minister, a renowned sculptor — and the mystery of the four-storey tall sculpture destined for Sydney’s foreshore.

Sunday Telegraph. PLEASE NOT THIS IS 50% COMPLETED. Supplied picture of "Uniting a Nation" sculpture by Artist Terrance Plowright

IT’S the million dollar sculpture titled Uniting A Nation that philanthropist Basil Sellers wanted to gift the people of NSW.

Instead it is dividing the state government.

The four-storey high, 4.5 tonne artwork was commissioned after a “handshake” agreement between Mr Sellers and former arts minister George Souris.

It is understood that while Mr Souris gave the go-ahead to the project, privately former premier Barry O’Farrell had “reservations” about the artwork.

However, the towering aluminium monument is in danger of never leaving the Blue Mountains workshop where it is being constructed by renowned artist Terrance Plowright and a team of engineers, with the NSW Government yet to commit to finding it a site.

Mr Plowright was commissioned to undertake the work by former investment banker Mr Sellers

after the meeting with former Arts Minister George Souris in July last year.

The ‘Uniting a Nation’ sculpture, by Artist Terrance Plowright. being built.

The Museum of Contemporary Art was discussed as a possible location with Australia Day 2015 mooted as a possible launch date.

Negotiations stalled after Mr O’Farrell resigned as premier with incoming leader Mike Baird dumping Mr Souris from the frontbench.

The sculpture is so top secret that those involved refused to comment or denied to knowing anything about it when first contacted.

Its construction is being documented by a film studio, which features interviews with prominent Australians such as surgeon Charlie Teo, former Test captain Steve Waugh and narrated by actor Jack Thompson.

What the ‘Uniting a Nation’ sculpture will look like when it is complete.

Mr Plowright said Mr Sellers wanted to “give something back” to the country he loved.

It can be revealed that the sculpture, which needs 100-tonne cranes to assemble the pieces, was to be flown via chopper from the Blue Mountains, flown along the path of the Parramatta River, over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, before coming to rest at its chosen site.

With the sculpture almost 85 per cent complete, Mr Souris recently organised a meeting with Mr Sellers and Environment Minister Rob Stokes to discuss its fate.

It is understood Mr Sellers has insisted the sculpture be located on the waterfront, such as within the Royal Botanic Gardens. However, the various government agencies responsible for Sydney Harbour foreshore land are understood to have opposed the move.

Radio talkback king Alan Jones has also been lobbying the Government to find a site.

Mr Sellers, who is currently in France, declined to comment.

Artist Terrance Plowright is creating the ‘Uniting a Nation’ sculpture.

Millionaire philanthropist Basil Sellers. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Mr Plowright, an award-winning artist whose works include the Dancing Brolga Fountain at Cockle Bay and the series of sculptures at the Sydney Cricket Ground, said: “Mr Sellers said the nation had been exceedingly good to him and he wanted to give something back.

“George was very enthusiastic, but said he would need the support of the boss and would take an image of the sculpture to parliament.

“I later got a phone call saying I had the green light. There was nothing signed, it was a handshake, but Mr Sellers said he really wanted to do this, and so lets go ahead.”

Mr Plowright said the sculpture, which he described as “enormously complex” was expected to be completed by December.

Mr Baird declined to comment.

Mr Souris said: “I have the highest regard for Basil Sellers. He is a benefactor who seeks nothing for himself.”

A spokesman for Mr Stokes confirmed a meeting with Mr Sellers had taken place, with negotiations continuing.

“We are currently looking for an appropriate location for this public art,” he said.

“We thank Mr Sellers for his generosity.”

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