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New Landmark Descends on Parramatta

Coffs Harbor has the Big Banana, Ballina a Large Prawn and Goulburn the Big Merino, now Parramatta residents can claim their own proud landmark with the installation of an eight metre high Sentry Box on the shores of Parramatta River.

Located on Parramatta’s river foreshore near the Gasworks Bridge, this giant artwork is a re-interpretation of a colonial military Sentry Box which used to stand near the artworks location in the first years of the British colony.

Sentry Box“The Sentry Box played a very significant part in the history of the Parramatta River foreshore and this artwork represents an important part of Parramatta’s heritage in a relevant and contemporary way,” said Parramatta City Council Project Officer, Michelle Desailly.

“Red coat soldiers were stationed at a small wooden sentry box on the river at the entry to Parramatta where they watched over the river and were responsible for keeping order and disciplining convicts. “

Standing eight meters tall, the giant red and white Sentry Box has been created by historian Michael Flynn, artists Susan Milne and Greg Stonehouse and Council’s Parramatta Stories Project Officer, Michelle Desailly.

“It gives viewers an extraordinary insight into the colony’s military past where convicts, soldiers, indigenous Australians, and all who lived in Parramatta at the time were subject to the hard arm of European colonial law.“

“The artwork is designed to attract people’s interest and attention – encouraging them to approach and walk through the sculpture and read the stories which reflect the voices of the soldier, convicts and people who lived in Parramatta during this turbulent time.”

“With this Sentry Box destined to becoming a popular Parramatta City landmark and tourism attraction, I encourage locals and visitors from across Sydney to come to Parramatta and be moved by this wonderful interpretative artwork of Parramatta’s history,” said Ms Desailly.

The Sentry Box is one of several exciting new artworks that are currently being installed on the river foreshore as part of Parramatta City Council’s River Foreshore Improvement Project and Parramatta Stories Project.

For more information about the Sentry Box and the Parramatta Stories Project please contact Michele Desailly on 9806 5231. For more information about the River Foreshore Improvement Project contact James Smallhorn on 9806 5720.

For interview or media enquiries contact:

Parramatta City Council Communications Coordinator Casli Mehmed

Tel: 9806 5669 Mob: 0401 696 791 Email: cmehmed@parracity.nsw.gov.au

Contact: Casli Mehmed | Communications Coordinator

Phone: (02) 9806 5669 | 0401 696 791

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