BADGER BATES

Project Name: Yirranma Place

Location: Darlinghurst, Sydney

Materials: Wrought Iron, Pewter

Dimensions: 7200x4322mm

Yirranma Place is a community precinct for social purpose with philanthropy at its heart. An adaptive reuse by SJB and Cornerstone Property and commissioned by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Yirranma Place is the largest philanthropy centre in Australia. The site has a rich and varied history, including periods as a church, a school and a circus.

The portico features specially commissioned three metre high, three panel gates - blacksmith by Uncle Badger (William Brain) Bates, a Barkandji Elder working with Eveleigh Works. They illustrate the stories that are critical to the life and world view of the Barkandji people. The gates were bonded in pewter, an Axolotl applied metal, providing a durable surface with a lasting shine that highlights the hammered forms.

The portico also features a Lino-cut ceiling mural, which appears as a stunning black and white backdrop when looking through the entry and depicts the Emu in the Sky, with the gap between the top of the gates and the ceiling symbolising the transition from day to night, and from earth to sky.

The Foundation was drawn to Bates based on the quality and originality of his art, and his integrity and dedication community and the environment. His life’s work aligns with the work of the Foundation to break the cycles of disadvantage and help strengthen communities, with a particular focus on programs and services targeting Aboriginal communities and youth.

Yirranma Place will be home to the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s new social enterprise incubator, an initiative that aims to grow the pool and impact of social enterprises and for-purpose organisations working to disrupt disadvantage in Australia.