Negativity makes Bunjil cry

Bunjil has become a strong, iconic symbol of Docklands.

But like Docklands generally, Bunjil is generally misunderstood and often misrepresented.

The descendants of the Wurundjeri aborginal people are generally unimpressed that the 2002 Bruce Armstrong work does not more resemble an actual eaglehawk.  So the statue is said to be “inspired by” the spirit creator of the Kulin nation.

Fair enough.  But a tribe of recently-arrived Docklanders is fuelling a public perception that Docklands itself is a disaster.  

And this misrepresentation, it seems, is making Bunjil sad.

This tribe of public opinion leaders earlier this year started a rumour that Bunjil would be moving to make way for new development.  In fact, the successful developer has been asked to include Bunjil in its plans.

The rest of Docklands is left wondering why The Age is hell-bent on ruining Docklands’ reputation.  Last month saw a frenzy of anti-Docklands sentiment boiling over in its news and opinion pages.

The move from the eastern side to the western side of Spencer St has given The Age and 3AW a Docklands address.  

Are they embarrassed by this?  Why do they take every opportunity to take a cheap shot at Docklands?

Whatever the answer, the result can be seen in Bunjil’s face.  If you look closely, you can see a tear starting to roll down the statue’s cheek.