Posts Tagged ‘art’

The Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce that, thanks to overwhelming community support, The BIG Chairlift sculpture by local artist Darragh Walsh will remain in Jindabyne permanently.

Over the Easter long weekend, a spirited community-led GoFundMe campaign raised an incredible $25,535 in just four days, surpassing the $25,000 purchase target set to secure the sculpture from the 2025 Lake Light Sculpture Festival.

More than 175 individuals, businesses, and organisations came together to contribute, reflecting the deep pride and affection the community holds for this striking piece of public art. Among the major supporters were Mayor Chris Hanna, who personally donated $5,000, and Shaun Turner from Doppelmayr Australia, whose $5,000 contribution early Sunday morning helped seal the deal and push the campaign over the line.

Created by Dalgety-based artist Darragh Walsh, The BIG Chairlift was inspired by the nostalgic silhouette of the old double Chairlifts now removed across Snowy Mountains resorts, a loving nod to Jindabyne’s alpine heritage and adventurous spirit. 

Installed on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne in the 2025 Light Light Sculpture Festival, the sculpture quickly became a fan favourite, drawing attention from locals, tourists, and social media audiences across the region. It became one of the most photographed pieces of the festival, with many willing it to be “a future landmark for the town”, and so the Jindabyne Chamber decided to do what they do best … spring into action and make it happen.

“Not only is the BIG Chairlift a magnificent sculpture, it’s a fitting symbol of our town’s identity, our shared memories, and our alpine spirit,” said Olivier Kapetanakos, President of the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce. “The response has been nothing short of phenomenal, and we’re so proud to help keep it here in Jindabyne for locals and visitors to enjoy for years to come.” 

“As Australia’s Alpine Playground, Jindabyne is the ideal setting for public art that reflects adventure and our seasonal rhythm from winter snowsports to mountain biking in the green season, capturing the true spirit of a town shaped by life in the alpine outdoors.”

The Jindabyne Chamber is now working closely with local stakeholders, including the Snowy Monaro Regional Council and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, to determine a permanent location for the sculpture — ensuring that The Big Chairlift becomes a lasting visual symbol for Jindabyne and a welcoming marker for all who arrive.

Thank you to Lake Light Sculpture for generously halving the commission on this piece, which will be a most welcome contribution to  the installation costs.

The energy around this project has also inspired conversations about the broader role of public art in the region. Any surplus funds raised from the GoFundMe campaign will be reinvested into future art installations around the Lake Jindabyne foreshore, installations that reflect the area’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and community values. The Jindabyne Chamber sees this initiative as a starting point for a longer-term commitment to bringing meaningful, place-based art to public spaces across the town.

This project is a big win for the arts, it’s a celebration of Jindabyne’s character and capacity to unite behind a shared vision. Through grassroots generosity, artistic passion, and civic pride, The BIG Chairlift has a forever home in Jindabyne, and a legacy as big as the mountain spirit it represents.

What People Are Saying

The BIG Chairlift has drawn an outpouring of pride, gratitude, and community spirit from locals and visitors alike. Here’s what people are saying:

“How good is this? We now have the Big Chairlift! Put us on the map.” – Gary B.
“We’ll have to get a family photo of us, there should be enough room!” – Skye H.
“We will!” – Gary B.
— Gary B. & Skye H.

“Congratulations… Well done town folk… Great job, Darragh… Exactly what the town needed.”
— Edwina S.

“That’s sensational! So exciting for Jindabyne. Well done! Just the right piece for the foreshore. Love it.”
— Cansin D.F.

“It’s great news. Now Jindy will have a giant Chairlift as the symbol of town. Thank you Darragh. Every Aussie town needs a BIG something and Darragh Walsh has finally given us an opportunity to achieve this with your help, beautiful Jindabyne!”
— Trish & M. L.D.

“I would like to see it remain in Jindabyne. Our local Darragh Walsh has put many, many hours into making this. Perisher, Thredbo, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn, would also benefit greatly from purchasing the Big Chairlift.
Keep it local. Support Jindabyne locals.”
— Lynne Mc.

“You are amazing Jindabyne… Thank you Darragh for creating such a beautiful and relevant sculpture. Just another reason why the Lake Light Sculpture Festival is such an amazing event … thanks to all who put in the hard work to bring it back to life.”
— Linda R.

“Thank you to the Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce for organising the fund raiser. So good to have The Big Chairlift now residing in Jindabyne forever.”
— Snowy Mountains Magazine

“It’s wonderful seeing so many people getting behind this. How great is the Lake Light Festival!”
— Nicole W.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Fiona Latham-Cannon
Secretary, Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce

M: 0408688627

E: secretary@jindabynechamberofcommerce.org.au
W: www.destinationjindabyne.com.au