The 2020 bushfires were a tremendous shock that impacted so many in our beautiful region.

The Gateway is a sculpture composed of three four sided, twisting, flame-like spires over three meters tall, symbolising a gateway with multiple entrances. It represents the people from many walks of life within our community. We all come from different backgrounds and our paths lead to different directions.

The contemplative area between the spires is a beautiful intimate space where people can feel at one with the sculpture. The artist Dora Rognvaldsdottir is deeply involved in community and healing powers of art and creation, with the local community, a sculpture to mark that terrible time and also to act as a focus for communities to come together, contribute and create an artwork that all can be proud of.

The three spires, made of fabricated core ten steel, are designed to form a smooth rust finish that will protect the steel from deterioration and makes a striking visual statement. The bases speak of people, places and experiences during the fires, through laser cut images worked from photographs taken during the bushfires and generously shared with us by members of the community. Each spire is also a tribute to all the lost native fauna and flora. This is where the main part of community involvement is reflected.

When finished and completed, this public sculpture will be the largest in the Shoalhaven region both in size and community participation. This has come about largely because of the enthusiasm of the community to become involved with the project, with participants ranging in age from 5 to 94 years of age.