Dharug Great Emu story lights up Western Sydney with new sculpture

Phoebe Blogg Published March 11, 2026 at 2.35pm (AWST)

arts

Commissioned by Transport for NSW, the sculpture was curated and co-created by Balarinji Studio and a cohort of locally-connected Aboriginal artists. (Image: Balarinji)

The Great Emu in the Sky sculpture is the centrepiece of a collection of Aboriginal public artworks embedded into the M12 corridor. Commissioned by Transport for NSW, the sculpture was curated and co-created by Balarinji Studio and a cohort of locally-connected Aboriginal artists.

Standing at 30 metres tall, the landmark sculpture tells the story of the Great Emu constellation, a Dharug story of how Mariong, the Emu and Mother Spirit, became the Milky Way.

The culturally-significant sculpture was co-created by Aboriginal artists: Danny Eastwood, Jamie Eastwood, Danielle Mate, Jasmine Seymour, Leanne Watson and Balarinji Studio, and was conceived by Balarinji lead artist on the work's genesis, Tim Moriarty.

*The new sculpture pictured at the M12/Warami Drive interchange. (Image: Balarinji)*

Similar to the Great Emu constellation, which changes throughout the Aboriginal six seasons, the sculpture uses dynamic lighting to reveal two emu forms, each only visible from certain viewpoints; the one sitting on the nest and one in the night sky.

The Aboriginal Six Seasons of Western Sydney are represented by projected colour washes that reflect the current season.

When speaking on the new sculpture, Balarinji managing director, Ros Moriarty, said there is truly nothing that compares to it.

"This is a landmark work of public art, there is nothing like it in Australia or the world," she said.

"It represents great leadership from Transport for NSW to commission such strong storytelling. It has been a privilege for Balarinji to co-create this authentic and contemporary expression of Dharug culture, with Dharug-connected artists and Western Sydney Aboriginal knowledge and language holders.

"We commend and thank everyone who has worked with us to conceptualise, develop, fabricate and install this ambitious and beautiful work."

*The new landmark sculpture measures 30 metres tall.* *(Image: Balarinji)*

The Emu Dreaming story is interconnected across Australia. It is a significant story for the Aboriginal people of the area, and also one that is shared by Aboriginal peoples all over Australia. According to Creation stories, emus were Creator Spirits that cared for Country.

The sculpture that houses the illuminated emu forms is made up of mirrored signature branches and represents an emu nest.

The branches refer to specific features of the Western Sydney landscape - creeks, ridge lines, silcrete.

*The branches featured on the sculpture refer to specific features of the Western Sydney landscape - creeks, ridge lines, silcrete.* *(Image: Balarinji)*

Visible from a number of viewpoints for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, Metro passengers, and even travellers on flights approaching and departing from the Western Sydney International Airport, the sculpture

Ngemba/Dharug artist Jamie Eastwood said the sculpture will become an iconic landmark for future generations to come.

"I've been involved in the project from the very beginning, working with a cohort of talented Aboriginal artists and in collaboration with Balarinji Studio," he said.

"This sculpture is very special to me. It's bringing back our Dharug stories that have been told for thousands of years into the environment and in such a visible location.

"This sculpture will become an iconic landmark for future generations. Australians will be able to share and celebrate this story and international visitors will be able to take our story back with them to share."

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