Medowie art walk

Vibrant Spaces – Our Map of Medowie

A vibrant public artwork at the Lions Park Medowie features a large illustrated map created in collaboration with local artists Skye Stephenson and Jade Deacon-Stephenson, showcasing original illustrations contributed by students from Medowie’s four schools and other young artists across the community.

On the map, you’ll find colourful, illustrated markers designed by Medowie’s youth—each one representing a vibrant local place. These icons highlight parks, murals, sculptures, landmarks, and sites of community history, celebrating the vibrant space that is Medowie.
Explore the locations listed below to learn more about the places that make Medowie unique. A QR code on the sign links to further stories and details, encouraging residents and visitors to discover, connect, and celebrate our shared spaces.

This sign is more than just decoration—it’s a reflection of community pride. By weaving together elements of local history, culture, and nature, this collaborative artwork encourages residents and visitors to pause, connect, and see Medowie in a new way. As part of the growing Medowie Artwalk, the sign highlights the importance of public art in creating welcoming spaces—and gives our young people a chance to leave their mark on the town.

Download the Medowie Art Walk Map here!


Map Artwork provided by: Kaley Gill of Wirreanda Public School
Location: Medowie Rd and Ferodale Rd Roundabout

mama manchuria

She welcomes us home after our journeys, a silent witness to the changing seasons. Planted over 35 years ago, she has stood tall through countless transformations, a steadfast symbol of continuity and change.

Map Artwork provided by: Jade Deacon-Stephenson
Location: Ferodale Rd, Medowie

black cokatoo

Artwork: Black Cockatoo
Located: Ferodale Road, Medowie
Artist: UP&UP

Map Artwork provided by: Jade Deacon-Stephenson
Location: Medowie Town Centre, Ferodale Rd

public art

  • Artwork: Water Wandering
    • Located: Woolworths Building
    • Artist: Braddon Snape
  • Artwork: Aboriginal Landscape
    • Located: Medowie town centre
    • Artist: Wally Walter
  • Artwork: Macadamia Nuts Sculpture (McDonald's site).

Map Artwork provided by: Isla Wood
Location: Medowie Town Centre, Ferodale Rd

lorekeets

Lions Club Park – Medowie War Memorial

Our Original Anzac Memorial. A large bushrock memorial with a plaque attached, positioned in a raised garden bed. Two flagpoles flank the memorial. This plaque was affixed and dedicated at the first ANZAC Day Dawn Service held in Medowie on 25 April 1997 and erected by the Medowie Community.

Located: Corner Medowie Rd and Ferodale Road

Medowie Community Centre

Artwork: Love Heart
A vibrant spot to enjoy art, dance, and a variety of activities for both the young and the young at heart.

Located: Medowie Community Centre
Artist: Communal Commuknitty project - curated by Janelle Porter

Medowie Make Over – Town Centre Park and Shopping Precinct

Medowie Leaf, Place of Tall Trees, Medowie Park

The Medowie Makeover Team, comprising over 1,000 dedicated volunteers, spent seven days revitalising our town centre and park. Everyone was welcome, from children to seniors, to leave their mark on our community. The Makeover Team continues to maintain the park. If you’d like to get involved, please contact Greg at Dowlings.

Located: Park and town centre
Artist: 7 Day Makeover – Community

Map Artwork provided by: Skye Stephenson
Location: Ferodale Rd, Medowie Town Centre Park

possum

In January 2024, two local residents and wildlife rescue volunteers with Port Stephens Koala Hospital responded to a call to Medowie Town Park. Concerned residents had reported a possum living in the Park Library. Nestled among the books, next to a book titled “Sometimes I Wake Up Grumpy,” was a Brushtail Possum, who was pretty grumpy that his sleep had been disturbed. After a quick check-up at Port Stephens Koala Hospital, the possum was returned to Medowie Town Park with a new possum box.

Map Artwork provided by: Lexi Steele of Wirreanda Public School

being active in medowie

Our town is bursting with sporting clubs! If you’re eager to meet fantastic people, get fit, and join a team, reach out to any of the clubs listed below. You’ll be greeted with open arms and plenty of enthusiasm!

From soccer and netball to tennis, AFL and Rugby, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Map Artwork provided by: Jade Deacon-Stephenson
Location: Cnr Medowie Road and Boundary Road, Medowie

New Glanmorgan School

Opened on 8th November 1894, The New Glanmorgan School is Medowie's first school. Its inaugural teacher, Miss Sara Cole, was known for her bravery, famously carrying a .45 revolver in her knitting bag to protect herself and the children from the threat of bushrangers. This courageous act highlights the challenging and adventurous spirit of Medowie's early days.

In celebration of the Centenary of Education in Medowie, a special song was written and performed by a combined choir from Medowie and Wirreanda Public Schools. The heartfelt lyrics of this song commemorate the rich history and educational journey of the community.

I’m Sara Cole the teacher,
I started education here
The bushrangers and the
loneliness,
Never gave me any fear
I keep a pistol on my desk,
And rule with a rod of steel.
No one dares disrupts my lessons,
I am the teacher here

We are one,
But we are many,
And from all the lands on earth we
come.
We’ll share a dream, and sing with
one voice
I am, you are, we are Australian

I am a child of Medowie,
I’ve come from far off towns.
I live in perfect harmony,
With wallabies and roos.
The bush is all around me,
This is the life I choose.
We live out in the country,
We’re all Australian.

We are one,
But we are many,
And from all the lands on earth we
come.
We’ll share a dream, and sing with
one voice
I am, you are, we are Australian

Map Artwork provided by: Skye Stephenson
Location: 36A Ferodale Rd, Medowie

medowie war memorial

A heartfelt tribute to our brave military personnel. The memorial features a Corten steel silhouette of a lone soldier, accompanied by sandstone plinths and commemorative plantings, including Gallipoli rosemary, Gallipoli roses, and Grevillea Spirit of ANZAC. Let’s honour our veterans and their incredible sacrifices, and be inspired by their courage and dedication.

Map Artwork provided by: Charlotte Walshe of Medowie Public School

Grahamstown Dam

Did you ever wonder why it was called Grahamstown Dam?

Grahamstown Lake was constructed on the former Grahamstown Moors, low lying farm land, beginning in 1957. “…News Of The Area met with Gwen Tinsley Faulkner, who grew up in Medowie, to set the record straight. Gwen confirmed that, yes, there most certainly were houses under where the Dam is now, but that most of the properties were moved from the site during the dam’s construction.

Gwen grew up in the family home at Medowie, which Hunter Water Board eventually reclaimed to build the Dam. (News of The Area May 2 2017)…”

Map Artwork provided by: A student of Wirreanda Public School
Location: Boyd Oval, Medowie

mezdez

Grab your skateboard or tennis racket and head to Boyd Sports Complex, one of the town's coolest play areas!

Artwork: MEZDEZ
Artist: UP&UP

Map Artwork provided by: Ivy Gibson
Location: The Bower Estate. Entry via Boundary Road, Medowie.

the bower artwork

The Bower Estate is home to an array of captivating sculptures, beautifully crafted by talented artists. These masterpieces can be found at various picturesque locations throughout The Bower, including the welcoming entrance, the serene Bower Park Reserve, and other enchanting spots within the estate.

Featured Sculptures:
  • Entry Feature by McCloy Group Design
  • Stopping to Smell the Flowers by Jimmy Rix
  • Bower Bird by Jamie Sargent
  • I'm Leafing by McCloy Group Design
  • Out on a Limb by Jimmy Rix

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, take a stroll through The Bower Estate and experience the artistry that brings our community together. Each sculpture tells a story and adds a touch of magic to the landscape of Medowie.

Bring the Kids: The Bower Park Reserve is a perfect spot for families. Bring your children to play in the park and discover the fascinating sculptures scattered throughout the area.

Map Artwork provided by: A student of Catherine McAuley Catholic College
Location: The Gardens Estate. Entry via Gardenia Drive, Medowie.

art at the gradens

The Gardens Estate is home to two captivating sculptures, beautifully crafted by talented artists. These masterpieces can be found at The Gardens, including the welcoming entrance and at the main roundabout.

Featured Sculptures:
  • Waratah by Jamie Sargeant: A stunning sculpture celebrating the native Waratah flower.
  • Entry Feature by Octopus Designs: A striking piece that greets visitors at the entrance.

Map Artwork provided by: Isla Wood

lizard

In 1963, a 12-year-old schoolboy made an astonishing discovery on a farm in Medowie: a blue-tongue lizard with a head at each end of its body! This rare and extraordinary reptile, measuring 8 inches, quickly became a local marvel. The lizard's unique double-headed appearance attracted significant interest from the scientific community and curious onlookers alike. It was kept at Medowie Primary School, located on Ferodale Road, Medowie, where it was studied by experts from Sydney University.

Information sourced from an article by Norm Barney.

Map Artwork provided by: Olivia Storer of Wirreanda Public School

koala

In the early hours of a Sunday morning in October 2023, Port Stephens Koala Hospital received an urgent call about a seriously injured koala on Medowie Rd. The young approx. 3-year-old female koala, later named "Medowie Merri," had been hit by two cars and was in critical condition. After a quick check-up at Port Stephens Koala Hospital, the team sprang into action.

Merri faced a long road to recovery, but with the unwavering care and expertise of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital team, she made remarkable progress. After receiving extensive treatment and round-the-clock care, Merri was finally ready to return to the wild. The team chose a beautiful location recommended by Pacific Dunes Golf Club for her release.

Merri's story is a testament to the dedication and compassion of the Port Stephens Koala Hospital team. Their tireless efforts and expert care gave Merri a second chance at life, highlighting the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Awareness Note: Koala populations in Medowie are precious and vulnerable. Please take extra care when driving and contact a wildlife rescue organisation if you encounter an injured or distressed native animal. Your vigilance and prompt action can make a world of difference.

Other artworks included on the map

Artwork provided by: Sophie Smith

medoqie school

Artwork provided by: Tobias Nolan

medowie christian school

Artwork provided by: Ryder Burnett

Wirreanda school

Artwork provided by: A student of Catherine McAuley Catholic College

McAuley College

Artwork provided by: Isla Wood

Isla Wood artwork

Artwork provided by: Charlotte Walshe

Charlotte Walshe artwork

Artwork provided by: Abbie Lee

Abby lee artwork

Artwork provided by: Scarlett Christie

Scarlet Christie artwork

Artwork provided by: Avalon Christie

Avalon christie artwork

Map Artwork provided by: A student of Catherine McAuley Catholic College.

Worimi

The Worimi people hold deep cultural and historical significance in Medowie, NSW. As the traditional custodians of the land, their connection to the area is profound and enduring. The Worimi's rich heritage, encompassing Dreamtime stories, spirituality, and traditional practices, continues to shape the community's identity and fosters a sense of belonging and respect for the land. Their presence is a reminder of the deep-rooted history and cultural richness that define Medowie.