Article by Brett Christian courtesy of the Subiaco Post.
Gina Rinehart’s companies Hancock Prospecting and Roy Hill have donated a steel sculpture valued at $60,000 to Cottesloe council. The work, Sandbar, is by artist James Rogers, one of Australia’s leading sculptors, this week’s council meeting was told. “It’s a very generous offer,” mayor Lorraine Young told the meeting.
“It would be really good if we could accept it with the spirit with which it was offered.” Sandbar was exhibited at last year’s Sculpture by the Sea and bought by the Rinehart companies ahead of 70 other sculptures from every Australian state and territory, and 12 countries around the world.
Made of painted steel, it represents the movement of sand under water, the meeting was told. It is very robust and needs no maintenance except occasionally brushing off leaves and dirt. It is guaranteed for 10 years and could last for 100 years with some painting, the council was told.
The donor companies will take back the sculpture if the council no longer wants it. Sculpture by the Sea director David Handley, the artist, and Cottesloe CEO Matthew Scott will decide its location. Council officers recommended that the donation be accepted. The council will make a final decision on the offer next week.
