Students and Elders shape Dorrigo’s new footbridge

BELLINGEN Shire Council is in the process of upgrading Dorrigo’s Bielsdown River footbridge, integrating student-led artwork.

The project grew from a vision to create a piece of public infrastructure that celebrates local identity, honours Gumbaynggirr culture, and gives young people a voice in shaping the place they live.

The concept was initiated by a local designer Anna Fisher (Fisher Design + Architecture), who worked with Council to explore ways of embedding community and cultural expression into the new bridge design.

Mayor Steve Allan was very impressed with the quality of the art and is thrilled that the result of the collaboration between community and Council will soon be on display for all to see.

“This project is a wonderful example of how Council can deliver essential infrastructure while also embedding cultural storytelling and youth creativity, strengthening the identity and pride of our Shire for generations to come,” said Mayor Allan.

“The talent presented by our local school children in their artworks were simply phenomenal.

“Their artworks will soon take shape as the infill panels of the Bielsdown River footbridge – a permanent reminder of the community’s connection to Country, told through the hands and eyes of its young people.’’

The creative process began with local students from Dorrigo-based schools, guided by Gumbaynggirr Elders Uncle Cecil Briggs and Uncle Allan Phillips.

Together, they visited the footbridge location, where the Elders shared cultural knowledge of Country – speaking of the river, the animals and plants that depend on it, and its significance in Gumbaynggirr life.

Students later translated what they had seen and heard into their own designs.

Some chose to capture the curve of a fish, the leaves of a plant, or the flowing movement of water.

Others expressed symbols of personal connection – shapes and lines that reflected how they felt about their home and its stories.

Uncle Allan Phillips and Kamilaroi artist Shanara Widders worked alongside the school’s art teacher, Yasmin Maher, to guide the students through the creative process.

Fisher Design + Architecture lead the process of digitising the students’ hand-drawn artworks for fabrication, ensuring each design retains its character and connection to Country.

Tamara Cameron, Principal of Dorrigo High School, is proud of the students’ contribution to the project.

“It was incredible to see the students of the town’s primary and secondary schools listen to Country, then bring those stories into their own art,” said Principal Cameron.

“They felt proud knowing their creativity will be part of something lasting, something everyone in the community can see and walk across.”

Bianca Bettles, Chairperson of the Dorrigo Plateau Local Aboriginal Land Council, said the project showed how art can carry culture forward.

“The Elders’ knowledge, the students’ ideas, and the river’s story are all woven together in these panels. It’s a powerful way to celebrate Gumbaynggirr Country and community,” said Bianca.

Uncle Allan Phillips, Director and founder of Garlugan Girrwaa Yuludarla/Onemobdreaming Foundation, was one of the Elders involved in the project.

“Personally and culturally this project has brought us all another step closer to walking together in the now and into the future.

“Country informs us if we take time to listen.

“It was an honour and pleasure to work with all of those involved in this project, especially the young ones, their creativity, their listening and to the respect shown to Uncle Cecil and to myself during our river side yarn,” said Uncle Allan.