Explaining ‘The Big E’
‘The Big E’, a contemporary public artwork located on
the corner Main North Road, Sattler Terrace and Durand
Terrace, Enfield, was officially opened by Mayor Gary
Johanson on 12 June 2014.
The sculpture was commissioned by the City of Port
Adelaide Enfield as part of the Main North Road
Redevelopment with assistance in the selection process
from the State Government through Arts SA.
In the selection of the public artwork, one of the practical
considerations was the use of materials that would require
minimal ongoing maintenance.
It is the work of South Australian artists Wesley Harrop and
Eliza Rudkin, who explained that “the form of ‘The Big E’
was derived from various site specific elements, adding the
following about the artwork.
“Looking into the history of Main North Road over the last
100 years, one aspect remained constant: a predominance
of signage aimed toward traffic flowing in and out of the
city,” Eliza said. “Over the last 100 years signage has also
taken the form of icons, which have become well known
in the local community - for instance, The Windmill (now
demolished) and Scotties Motel.
“The intention was to create a bold signature work for the
council. Looking at the historical context of other local
icons, it was clear that scale plays an important part. The
sculpture is intended to be viewed whilst driving past at
60km/hr. Thus ‘The Big E’ is made from one of the largest
diameter industrial piping sections available in the market.
“The rusted steel tubing is reminiscent of that used for
transporting underground utilities and services. The work
symbolized the services breaking ground and twisting
before returning back to the earth. It is a signature for
Enfield: a capital ‘E’ from above and a lowercase ‘e’ from
the road. The use of the letter links into the heavy use of
typography on the road. ‘The Big E’ is not a static work,
viewer movement and perception change as one passes by.”
The aim of the project was to create a high profile, iconic
public artwork and ‘The Big E’ has already generated
considerable community interest. That is part of the role of
art, to create discussion and debate.
Family - who’s in charge?
Does your child hurt, intimidate or abuse you?
Do you feel you are losing control? If you would
like to learn how to handle conflict better within
your family, and reclaim the respect of the young
people in your life, join us for the six-week ‘Who’s
in Charge?’ group.
This free program is for parents or carers of young
people (aged eight to 18) who are beyond control,
or are violent or defiant and will help to restore
calm within the family. The group aims to:
• Provide a supportive environment to share
experiences and ideas.
• Reduce the guilt and shame which most
parents feel.
• Offer ideas to help you develop individual
strategies for managing your child’s behaviour.
• Help understanding of power in relationships
and feel less stressed.
• Explore ways of increasing safety and
well-being.
The next six-week group will start on Wednesday
22 October, running from 6.30-9pm at the Junction
Community Centre, corner of Grand Junction
Road and May Terrace, Ottoway. Enquiries and
referrals can be directed to Trevor Cresswell on
8405 6862, or Kay Buckley on 8341 1334. More
information on the topic of violence to parents is
available at
MADEC provides a help
MADEC is a community organisation that
provides assistance with referrals regarding
housing, family violence, employment, health,
legal assistance or childcare.
Founded in Mildura, MADEC’s Indigenous
Community Links Coordinator Anthony Bernhardt
visits the Enfield Library once a week to support
families or refer them to other agencies in the
region for assistance.
“Examples of what we can provide include
assisting with applying for birth certificates or
name change, funeral arrangements, obtaining a
license or even signing up for a new bank account
or Medicare card,” Anthony says.
“Alternatively, for any queries regarding what
Indigenous Community Links can offer, for
assistance with specific requirements, or to make
a time to come in and see me, just give me a call.
If transport is an issue, I may even be available
to visit people. Community services groups are
welcome to contact me and discuss the
services they provide to ensure that all referrals
can be accommodated.”
MADEC also provides a computer that people are
welcome to pop in and use, with internet access
available and assistance if required. Members of
the Indigenous community are encouraged to
simply drop in and say hello at the Enfield Library
on Mondays from 10am-3pm or are invited to
contact Anthony on 8307 2000.
‘The Big E’
