It’s no secret agriculture underpins the fundamentals of the Burdekin Shire, and in late September 2021, a wonderful artistic installation was unveiled in celebration of one of the region’s most treasured events.
After speaking with locals and witnessing the impressive efforts of competitors in Sweet Days, Hot Nights Festival’s 2021 Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships, renowned chainsaw sculptor Matthew George was inspired to create a magnificent hand cane cutter monument to highlight the striking work of a bygone era.
Matthew, fondly known as Matty G, has been practising as a creative chainsaw artist for well over 14 years. Proudly self-taught, Matty travels the state, bringing his visions to life by crafting outstanding installations for townships, communities, and individuals to honour, celebrate, and recognise all things iconic and remarkable. With a passion for crafting animals, Matty recycles fallen timber to create his masterpieces, and over the years, he has perfected the balance between stamina and memory to carve with confidence and precision.
On numerous occasions, Matty’s keen eye and skilled attention to detail have been celebrated by local communities, and his commendable talents shine in each and every carving, whether it’s a kangaroo or a swordfish.
Standing tall alongside the Home Hill Lions Club Diorama facing the Bruce Highway, the monument features the mighty Burdekin River flowing between the cutter’s feet, as well as darkened tones to reflect the markings of cane ash on the sculpture’s legs.
A tribute to the region’s undying sugarcane industry, Matty’s installation will remain a long-lasting reminder of how far sugarcane production has come, while celebrating and cementing the uniqueness and history of the Burdekin Shire.
Proudly sponsored by the Regional Arts Development Fund, the sculpture was created under a partnership between Arts Queensland and the Burdekin Shire Council.
Visit the exceptional hand cane cutter monument for yourself and see Matty’s distinctive craftsmanship up close this crushing season!
Matty G's hand cane cutter monument was unveiled in Home Hill in September of 2021 (Photo Credit: Burdekin Shire Council)
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2023 Burdekin Life Pty Ltd.
