Kyah and Katlyn Turnbull, whose artwork was chosen to feature on the new Parkes Bypass, along with Local Peak Hill man Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney.
The Parkes Bypass will connect with Wiradjuri culture by the display of permanent artworks by a local Aboriginal artists.
In September 2024, Transport for NSW, in consultation with the local Aboriginal community, invited all local Aboriginal artists to submit artworks to be chosen to feature on two elements of the $287.2 million Parkes Bypass project – on safety screens on the Victoria Street Bridge and on signage at either end of the bypass.
Following a review of the submissions, Wiradjuri women and cousins from Parkes Kyah and Katlyn Turnbull’s design was selected to appear on the bridge’s safety screens and Wiradjuri local from Peak Hill, Scott ‘Sauce’ Towney’s artwork will feature on the signposts.
Kyah Turnbull said their design reflected Wiradjuri culture and the local environment by using symbols and patterns alongside a range of animals local to the Parkes area.
“We have used meeting place symbols and travelling lines to connect Parkes to its surroundings towns, essentially creating a map of the Parkes Shire. These include Peak Hill, Trewilga, Alectown, Cookamidgera, Bogan Gate, Trundle and Tullamore,” Kyah said.
Reflecting on his winning submission, Mr Towney said “Wiradjuri pattern symbols serve as a visual representation of the land while the people figures are a nod to our elders who have paved the way for us.”
“Parkes is depicted as the main meeting place, symbolising its importance as a cultural hub for the Wiradjuri people and its outreach to surrounding towns.”