The sun has set on another successful year of the ‘Dear Agnes’ public art program, including tours of the internationally-recognised artwork that inspired it, located within Greater Western Water’s Altona Treatment Plant.
The treatment plant is home to A Forest for Australia, an enduring piece of land art spanning eight acres, created by respected New York-based environmental artist Agnes Denes in 1998.
The artwork consists of 3700 trees of several different native species that form five spirals.
Presented by Hobsons Bay City Council in partnership with Greater Western Water (GWW), RMIT University and Deakin University, Dear Agnes showcases local artists’ work honouring A Forest for Australia and the landscapes of Hobsons Bay. It celebrates the connection between art, community and environmental care.
As ongoing caretaker of the artwork, GWW first opened up A Forest for Australia for public tours during the inaugural Dear Agnes program in 2023, and has since expanded access each year through Open House Melbourne.
GWW Operator in Charge of Biodiversity and Stormwater Harvesting, Joseph Phillips, led four walking tours of the artwork on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 March. Across the weekend, 80 enthusiastic participants took part in this rare behind-the-scenes experience.
Participants reported gaining an appreciation for the work and difficulty in the upkeep of a natural asset and evolving piece of land art, and learning more about the strong partnership approach behind the management and conservation of the forest.
Tour participants also had an opportunity to learn how GWW processes millions of litres of wastewater and how it provides recycled water across the region, helping to green Melbourne’s west.
GWW General Manager of Service Delivery Jodie Hallam, who also spoke at the launch of Dear Agnes on March 13, said the program was a great example of what a passionate community working in partnership could achieve.
“Our partnership with Hobsons Bay City Council, its partners and its creative community continues to grow, much like Agnes Denes’ artwork which has brought us together for another year.
“Building a thriving community is at the heart of what we do, and we’re delighted to have joined our partners and the local community again this March to marvel at thought-provoking art, enjoy the benefits of greener spaces and greater connection to the environment and, of course, to celebrate Dear Agnes.”
