ARCHITECT Henry Bialowas feels a mixture of relief and satisfaction at seeing his vision for Governor Macquarie’s Flag Staff realised.
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The designer of the flag staff said the finished product is just what he pictured in his mind.
Mr Bialowas came to Bathurst as a four-year-old refugee.
“It is a lovely feeling. It’s hard to describe,” he said.
“To think I could contribute something to the town that nurtured me is very moving. My parents would have been so proud.”
Mr Bialowas said he was thrilled with the way the proclamation day ceremony centred around the flag staff.
“It was a rare and wonderful occasion in every respect. It brought the community together,” he said.
“It was one of those heart- warming events that was very public, but at the same time everyone has their own lovely memories they will cherish. It was one of the most memorable times in my life.”
He praised the builders for bringing his design to life and Bathurst Regional Council’s Darren Sturgiss for his support throughout the project.
Mr Bialowas said council was very brave to take on a project on the basis of the sketch he presented to them.
“It was an act of faith on their part,” he said. “I think everyone has recognised that something like this is important to us all.”
However, he said it wasn’t until he saw the flag staff concourse set up for proclamation day that he realised it could also serve as a platform stage.
“Suddenly a whole world of new possibilities opened up for me,” he said.
“There is great potential for using the flag staff concourse for other events.
“It is going to be a very practical addition to the park.”
The two etched glass panels flanking the flag staff were later added to Mr Bialowas’ original design.
They are decorated with the Wiraduryi totems of the platypus and the goanna, as well as the hand prints of hundreds of Aboriginal school children, elders, and babies born in the past 12 months.
Mr Bialowas said the intention was always to include an Aboriginal component, however, without a doubt the etched glass added something special.
He said a friend pointed out to him that the late afternoon sun shone through the panels and cast shadows on the paving.
“This is a lovely side effect I hadn’t anticipated,” he said.
