Confluence

As part of their Pacific Highway Bypass Master plan, Kempsey Council commissioned two significant gateway sculptures at the Northern and Southern Highway Interchanges to form a welcoming Gateway to the town of Kempsey.

The Northern Highway Interchange (Dunghutti Interchange) was awarded to artists Matthew Harding and Tina Lee.  Titled Confluence – the artwork represents the convergence of the majestic Macleay River as it meanders through tributaries, gorges and waterfalls and meets the saltwater of the South Pacific Ocean near South West Rocks.

The shell formwork represents Indigenous middens in the Clybucca area symbolising the strength, survival and continuation of Dunghutti culture in the Macleay. The upright poles and interlacing wiring pay homage to the giant red cedar forests and billowing sails, referencing fragments of Frederickton’s’ shipping and timber industries.