Australian Governor-General, Sam Mostyn AC, has paid a special visit to Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay where she unveiled a plaque marking the permanency of Toowoomba’s Genestreaming Journey sculpture in the Outdoor Gardens of the world-renowned attraction.
The three metre-tall Genestreaming Journey Sculpture is a gift from Toowoomba to Gardens by the Bay and was part of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers’ floral display at the Flower Dome from September to November 2024.
Toowoomba Region Mayor, Geoff McDonald said it was a terrific outcome to have a permanent display promoting the Toowoomba Region at one of the world’s premier tourist attractions.
“I’m delighted that Governor-General Mostyn was on hand in Singapore this week to unveil a plaque marking the permanency of the Genestreaming Journey sculpture which was part of our Carnival of Flowers display in the Flower Dome last year,” said Mayor McDonald.
“People from all over the world passed through our unique Australia-themed display last year and now the Genestreaming Sculpture will become a permanent reminder of Toowoomba’s special relationship with Gardens by the Bay and more broadly Australia’s special relationship with Singapore.
“This is a tremendous legacy of our involvement with the Carnival of Flowers display last year and I sincerely thank Governor-General Mostyn and everyone at Gardens by the Bay for the way they have helped put the Toowoomba Region on the world map,” he said.
The Genestreaming Journey sculpture is a giant evolutionary tree highlighting deep time connections between species over millions of years. Shaped like a budding flower, it features First Nations art on the inside and naturalist art on the outside.
It is a collaboration between artists Ben Beeton and Mali Moir, Toowoomba First Nations artists and engineers. These sculptures are a nationwide initiative in Australia which celebrate First Nations culture, scientific discoveries, and conservation.
This is the first time that a Genestreaming Journey Sculpture has been displayed beyond Australian shores. It symbolises the friendship between Singapore and Australia.
Local Toowoomba Region business, Mort and Co, was the major sponsor who helped ensure the sculpture was part of the display in Singapore.
