The future of one of Geelong's most recognisable and whimsical tourist attractions hangs in the balance. The famous Bollard Walk, a collection of colourful, character-filled wooden figures lining the city's waterfront, is at the centre of a passionate preservation debate.
A Historian's Plea for Preservation
Prominent local historian Colin Mockett has issued a clarion call to the Geelong community and its council. He argues forcefully that the bollard collection must not only be saved from potential removal but actively expanded. Mockett, who has deep knowledge of the region's social history, views the bollards as far more than mere street furniture. He describes them as a unique and evolving public art project that visually narrates Geelong's story, from its Indigenous roots and early European settlement to its industrial heyday and modern multicultural community.
The bollards, created by artist Jan Mitchell beginning in the mid-1990s, transformed functional maritime posts into a celebrated open-air gallery. Each figure is meticulously researched and painted, representing specific characters from the city's past. Mockett emphasises that this isn't a static monument but a living history project that has grown over decades, with new figures added to tell new chapters of the Geelong story.
The Risk of Losing a Cultural Landmark
Concerns for the Bollard Walk's future have been simmering. Discussions around waterfront redevelopment and maintenance costs have occasionally raised the spectre of removal or reduction of the collection. Mockett warns that losing the bollards would equate to erasing a vital, accessible piece of the city's cultural identity. He points out that they serve an invaluable educational purpose, engaging both residents and visitors in a way that traditional plaques or statues often fail to do.
For many, the bollards are the defining memory of a visit to Geelong. They provide a playful, photogenic backdrop that is intrinsically linked to the city's tourism brand. Their potential degradation or removal, Mockett contends, would not just be a loss of art but a significant blow to Geelong's community spirit and its appeal as a destination.
The Case for Expansion, Not Retreat
Colin Mockett's vision goes beyond mere conservation. He advocates for a proactive policy of expansion. He believes new bollards should be commissioned to represent more recent and diverse stories from Geelong's history, ensuring the walk remains relevant and continues to grow with the city.
This could include figures representing post-war migrants, sporting heroes, notable cultural contributors, and innovators from Geelong's evolving economy. Such an approach would signal a commitment to the arts, to history, and to community engagement. It would transform the walk from a completed project into a dynamic, ongoing conversation about who Geelong was, is, and aspires to be.
Mockett's argument rests on the premise that the bollards are a cost-effective and highly popular form of public infrastructure. They require maintenance, like any public asset, but their value in promoting tourism, fostering local pride, and educating the public far outweighs these costs. He calls for the City of Greater Geelong to formally recognise the Bollard Walk as a protected heritage asset and to allocate funding for its care and thoughtful enlargement.
The debate over the bollards touches on broader questions about urban identity. In an era where many city centres risk looking identical, the Bollard Walk provides Geelong with an unmistakable point of difference. Protecting it is, in Mockett's view, an investment in the city's unique soul. The community now awaits the council's response to this heartfelt plea to safeguard a beloved cultural icon.
