By Matthew Sims
Keen-eyed public transport users have spotted a new sight at Pakenham Station, with a new public artwork set to be unveiled soon.
Posts on Facebook originally thought the sculpture was popular Pokemon creature Pikachu, but news from the Level Crossing Removal Project team has confirmed the contemporary sculpture references the Greater Sooty Owl, a species known to frequent the local area.
Large-scale sculptors James and Eleanor Avery have created the new sculpture located in the northern section of the station precinct near Main Street, titled Meet Me at the Pakenham Owl.
“We chose an owl because of the protected Greater Sooty Owl local to the Cardinia Shire, and because of the symbolism attached to an owl as a spiritual guide, a widespread traveller, always returning to its nesting spot,“ Eleanor said.
Fabricated from laser-cut aluminum and set in concrete, the sculpture would stand 3.2m tall and 2.7m wide.
The architectural features of the new Pakenham Station including the V-shaped staircase, bronze finish and curved roof have inspired the sculptures’ shape and colour.
The level crossings at Main Street, McGregor Road and Racecourse Road in Pakenham have been removed by building a 2.5km section of elevated rail, and the new stations at Pakenham and East Pakenham opened in June 2024.
Work is being carried out on six MCGs’ worth of new open space at Pakenham, which includes a barbecue area, exercise equipment, garden beds, seating, a half basketball court and playground.
More than 330,000 trees, shrubs and grasses would be planted in and around the station precincts.
