Art resurfaced

In 2005, Port Melbourne Primary School received funding through the Artists in Schools program for a special project: The Lagoon Project, led by our Artist in Residence, Greg Ades. 

The Lagoon Painting Returns

This term marks the twentieth anniversary of that project. To celebrate the occasion, the painting – safely stored away since the office renovations – has been brought back out and is now proudly on display in the Performing Arts room.

About the Lagoon Project

The project explored the history of Port Melbourne, with a particular focus on the lagoon and the impact European settlement had on it. In 1803, Charles Grimes described the lagoon as “a salt lagoon about a mile long and a quarter mile wide.” It was once bordered by Esplanade East and West, stretching from the beach inland to Raglan Street.

However, within 30 years of European settlement, the lagoon's once crystal-clear waters had become severely polluted – the Inspector of Nuisances described it as being in a “filthy and disgraceful state.” By the 1870s, work had begun to fill in the northern end of the lagoon. Over the following decades, more sections were filled and by 1929 the entire lagoon was filled.

Reimagining the Lagoon

As part of the project, students not only learned about this local environmental history, but also imagined what Port Melbourne might look like today if the lagoon had been preserved and cared for. The final artwork, created by students across all year levels in collaboration with Greg Ades, brings those visions to life. The painting serves as both a creative interpretation and a reminder of the environmental legacy of our local area.