2025 Bass Coast Shire Public Art Commission

'Yawa (Long Journey)' is a permanent public artwork consisting of thirty Murrini glass panels, shaped and suspended to form a stunning glass canoe overhead in the grand hall at Berninneit. Patination on the glass captures the microscopic elements of the river reed and reflects the play of light and colour of the wetlands and ocean that surround Millowl Phillip Island. The canoe also references the long connection to waterways and history of travel to and from the island by First Nations people.

Over 300 community members contributed to the creation of these patterns in glass, during public workshops led by Maree Clarke and three generations of her family, Kerri Clarke, Wade Mahoney, Mitch Mahoney, Molly Mahoney and baby Yarran Clarke-Mahoney, in January and February 2025. Maree Clarke is a celebrated artist of the Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Mutti Mutti and Boon Wurrung peoples.

'Yawa (Long Journey)' was fabricated and installed by Canberra Glassworks.