Council backflips on orange colour of Cyclone Tracy ‘mango tree’ sculpture

The City of Darwin has announced a significant change to one of the most controversial elements of a Cyclone Tracy commemorative sculpture dubbed the ‘mango tree’.

A 'kinetic sculpture' designed by New Zealand artist Phil Price set to be installed at Bundilla Beach in November will no longer be orange. Picture: City of Darwin

A controversial Cyclone Tracy commemorative sculpture dubbed the “mango tree” by opponents will no longer be the vivid orange colour depicted in concept designs, the City of Darwin has announced.

The “kinetic sculpture”, formally named “Coriolis”, was designed by New Zealand artist Phil Price and is set to be installed at Bundilla Beach to commemorate the devastating cyclone’s 50th anniversary.

Concept art unveiled by Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis earlier this month was met with trenchant criticism from Tracy survivors, who described it as a “kids’ playground”, a “mango tree” and “ripened ovaries on fallopian tubes”.

In a lengthy statement issued on Wednesday in defence of the planned sculpture, the council acknowledged the “diverse views” about its design.

“The selection of the colour of the kinetic sculpture is currently being finalised but it will not be the same orange colour depicted in the concepts shared on 7 June,” it reads.

Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc’s Richard Creswick with artist Techy Masero at the proposed site for a separate Cyclone Tracy memorial sculpture.

The council said the change in language to describe the sculpture, which it had initially labelled a “monument”, was to distinguish it from a separate memorial at East Point.

“The purpose and intent behind the kinetic sculpture remains unchanged,” the statement reads.

“However, we acknowledge this has caused some confusion and wish to assure the community that we are operating in line with both our legislative requirements and the grant requirements.”

It said the design was unanimously recommended by the Cyclone Tracy Commemorative Advisory Committee, which included the chairman of rival sculpture proponent Remembering Cyclone Tracy Inc, Richard Creswick, while reiterating that the two projects were separate.

“Last night, City of Darwin council resolved to provide in-principle approval for the installation of RCTI’s land-based memorial and interpretative signage at East Point, subject to location and works permit approval,” the statement reads.

“We understand RCTI has also released concept designs for a reef-based memorial off the coast of East Point nature reserve.

“As City of Darwin’s jurisdiction ends at the high-tide mark, we do not have decision-making powers relating to this proposed reef-based memorial.”

A mock-up of a memorial sculpture by local artist Techy Masero planned for the East Point reserve. Picture: Elise Graham

The council said the City of Darwin and RCTI had each received separate $300,000 grants for their respective projects which could not be transferred, with the council’s sculpture due to be installed in November.

“In planning for the 50th anniversary commemoration, RCTI indicated their preference to deliver survivor-led activities and events, including the East Point memorial,” the statement reads.

“Out of respect to the wishes of RCTI, through the kinetic sculpture Coriolis, City of Darwin has pursued a modern and future-facing interpretation of the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy and the role this significant event has played in our city’s past, present and future.”