Ginninderra News - June 2004

Rescuing Beauty from the Ashes of the Bushfires

Mount Stromlo Observatory, tragically destroyed during the January 2003 bushfires, is to be commemorated in the Legislative Assembly.

The Australian National University has decided to create commemorative furniture from timber salvaged from the historic Observatory site.

The Assembly will receive two lecterns, donated by the Speaker, Wayne Berry. A graduate diploma student at the ANU School of Art Wood Workshop, John Lane, will build the lecterns. Mr Lane has been awarded a scholarship for this work funded by the Canberra Times, with additional support from the Hindmarsh Group.

“On top of the impact that the fires had upon the people and the city of Canberra, it was an added blow for such an historic and magnificent local landmark as Mount Stromlo Observatory to fall victim as well,” Wayne said.

“I am honoured to contribute to the commemoration of the Observatory in this fashion. The creation of these lecterns is only a gesture compared to the loss of Mount Stromlo, but it nonetheless represents a resuscitation of beauty from the ashes of the fires.”

Mr Berry was present at the first stage of this process – the opening of the logs – earlier this year. This was the first time anyone had a chance to inspect the quality of the timber.

Fortunately the wood was sound, and the logs have been entrusted into the care of Mr Lane who is now working on them. They are expected to be finished later this year.

Wayne examines the timber of the newly opened log (Photo: ANU Photography)