Yaburgurt Cirkelstone, Thomas Dambo's Giants of Mandurah 2023 Photo by Dan MacBride courtesy of FORM Building a State of Creativity
The Australian-first Giants of Mandurah by world-renowned artist Thomas Dambo has welcomed a highly anticipated addition to the popular outdoor trail.
The WA Government, through Tourism WA and the City of Mandurah and FORM Building a State of Creativity are pleased to share Yaburgurt Cirkelstone has taken up residence on the Coodanup foreshore, adjacent to where his much-loved little sister Vivi Cirkelstone once stood.
Located on the land of the Bindjareb Noongar people, the new Giant has been named in consultation with Bindjareb Elders, and in honour of a respected Elder from the region – Yaburgurt (George) Winjan.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, the Hon. Roger Cook MLA said, “The WA Government, through Tourism WA, is delighted to welcome Yaburgurt Cirkelstone as the newest addition to the popular Giants of Mandurah exhibition. The Giants have been a record hit for Mandurah, with more than 110,000 people heading the local visitor centre since its launch in November – a more than 400 per cent lift from the year before – creating a huge boost for local tourism and leisure businesses.”
While Dambo could not join his team in Western Australia this time around, the artist said, “Yaburgurt joins the wider Cirkelstone family of Giants around the world, which includes Bjarke Cirkelstone in Dragor, Denmark. How special it is to name this Giant after such an important community leader. Just as Yaburgurt creates his own circle around the stones Vivi left, it is such a privilege to have Bindjareb Elders and community welcome this Giant and in turn create their own circle of care and protection around Yaburgurt.”
FORM’s CEO Tabitha McMullan said, “Thomas Dambo’s work has a proven track record of successfully being used as a vehicle to highlight the unique stories of the places where they are installed. The Giants of Mandurah shares important local stories from the region, connecting Mandurah to the artist’s broader global narrative. We are so grateful to everyone in the community who has helped shape and tell this story so far.”
Building the new Giant has been no small feat, with Dambo creating the head in Copenhagen, Denmark, and his team working with FORM, the City of Mandurah and a cohort of incredible local volunteers to bring Yaburgurt to life over the past few weeks.
Of the new arrival, City of Mandurah's Mayor Rhys Williams said, “The best thing about the Giants of Mandurah is how it captures the imagination and creativity of not just little people but big people too. There's a real palpable sense of excitement about this new giant that's joining the giant family, and the community is so proud to have them in our midst.”
The Giants of Mandurah will be on display at least until 12 November 2023. A number of free resources are available to help plan your adventure and discover the Giants, including the official Traveller's Companion, which can be downloaded at the giantsofmandurah.com.au.
The Giants of Mandurah has been initiated and produced by FORM Building a State of Creativity and delivered in collaboration with the City of Mandurah. The project is supported by the WA Government through Tourism WA’s Regional Events Program, Lotterywest, and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; as well as the Alcoa Foundation and the City of Subiaco.
