As part of Council’s Connecting Torquay Town Centre strategy, two bike stations in Taylor Park and one on the corner of Cliff St and Bristol Road will be installed in early to mid-September, designed and hand-carved by Aireys Inlet artist Jeff Raglus.
“We’re thrilled that Jeff has created art pieces that are long-lasting and functional as bike stations, as well as revealing the nature of the surf culture of Torquay and our connection to indigenous flora,” said Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton. “They will be a great talking point to show visitors to our town.”
The bike stations are designed to encourage different perspectives on the landscape and lived experience of Torquay, while encouraging fun, family-centred opportunities for gathering, recreating, socialising and shopping around Torquay’s CBD.
Created with locally sourced materials, such as cypress from Aireys Inlet, the pieces were carved by Jeff at his Aireys Inlet home – first by chainsaw and lastly by chisel, with metalwork crafted by sculptural metal worker and foundry owner Derek Johns.
“The designs are intended to be uplifting and positive, as well as integrating with their surroundings,” said Jeff. “There’s a slightly humorous and childlike ‘pop-art’ style flowing between all the parts, with the bike stand itself made in matched coloured powder coated steel.”
Jeff Raglus is a contemporary artist who divides his time between music and visual art projects and was the creative force behind the Mambo surf brand’s iconic imagery, as well as other well-known brands as he blurs a fine line between graphic design and fine art.
The bike stations form part of the larger Connecting Torquay Town Centre project, which also includes car parking along Taylor Park at Zeally Bay Road and Fischer Street, as well as new pedestrian crossings and wayfinding signage in the Torquay Town Centre.
Council acknowledges Taylor Park’s land manager, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, for assistance throughout the design process.
