Angel of the sea becomes a giant of the land

Photo: Jodie Clough.
Artwork: Chris Calcutt and Ross Bradbury, Nala 2012, stainless steel and timber sculpture. Fraser Coast Regional Council Public Art Collection. 

The waters of Hervey Bay have long been a haven for the majestic humpback whales, but since 2012, a giant humpback whale sculpture, known as Nala, has leapt out the earth to dominate the Pialba landscape.

Located on the corner of Main Street and Old Maryborough Road in Pialba, Nala stands at 8.3 metres tall and spans a width of 14.8 metres from flipper to flipper. The sculpture’s 9 tonnes of steel framework along with the 3.5 tonnes of stainless steel fins and pleats were crafted by artist Chris Calcutt with the 9.5 tonnes of shaped timber layers being carved by Ross Bradbury and Glen Waterman

The sculpture is dedicated to the much loved Nala, a female humpback who has been a regular visitor to Hervey Bay.

Nala is easily recognisable by distinctive patterning on her fluke, she was first recorded in the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay in 1992 feeding her calf. She has returned many times since with calves and other whales. A group of Byron Bay school students who had joined the Oceanic Project as part of a ‘Kids On The Ocean’ youth project named her Nala after the character from the Lion King.

Constructing Nala

• Nala was originally intended to be installed at Wetside Waterpark, alongside the other whale sculptures.
• Construction took place in Wide Bay Water's large shed at Ellongowan Street.
• Ironbark which was sourced from Howard sawmill was attached and Ross Bradbury began carving and shaping to bring his version of an animated humpback whale to life.
• The project stalled for several years before being reignited to conincide with the new Gallery building.
• Nala was transported to her current home in three pieces.
• Final carving, welding and polishing were completed after erection and her massive fins were bolted on.