Public Art & Community Projects

Being part of a regional community is at the heart of Molly Mackay Metalwork. I’m proud to have contributed to public art projects that celebrate our local identity, share our history and honour the people who have shaped our communities.

Working alongside artists, designers and community organisations, I use plasma cutting to bring their designs to life in steel.

Coonamble Emu Sculptures

It was a privilege to plasma cut the 16 emus created as part of Coonamble’s town entry art project. Arranged into four families, each with a father emu leading his chicks, the sculptures welcome visitors and returning locals to town.

The project brought together local artists Jamie-Lea Trindall, Sooty Welsh and myself, under the direction of Zest Events International. The emus reflect the area’s local identity and Aboriginal heritage, with the dhinawan, or emu, recognised as a totem of the Gamilaaray people.

Seeing these sculptures become part of my hometown’s landscape has been a particularly special experience.

Brewarrina RSL Memorial

I was honoured to plasma cut three steel service figures for the Brewarrina RSL memorial, representing Brewarrina district locals who served in the Boer War, First World War, Second World War, Korean War and Vietnam War.

Designed by Angie O’Connor Graphic Design, the figures recognise the service of local men and women and honour those who lost their lives. This was a meaningful project to contribute to, creating a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice.

Brigidine Sisters Garden

For the Brigidine Sisters Garden in Coonamble, I plasma cut six steel nun figures designed by Angie O’Connor Graphic Design.

Together, the figures represent the music, education and sporting programs the Sisters brought to the community. Set among the garden beds, they celebrate the Sisters’ contribution to generations of local families since their arrival in Coonamble in 1883.

The garden was gifted by the Brigidine Sisters to the Coonamble community in appreciation of the many kindnesses shown to them over the years. It was a privilege to help bring this tribute to life.

All figures were plasma cut by Molly Mackay Metalwork, with all construction overseen by Jocks Custom Fabrication and Linden Deans Ag Contracting.

Have a community project in mind?

I welcome opportunities to work with artists, designers and community groups on public art, memorials and custom metalwork. If you have a project in mind, please get in touch—I’d love to hear about it.