Cummins South Australia
 

Cummins Mosaic Trail

Discover the vibrant charm of Cummins through its Mosaic Trail! This unique itinerary will take you on a journey through the heart of the town. Explore stunning mosaic artworks that tell the stories of local culture, community, and creativity. Whether you’re a lover of art or simply seeking a scenic walk, the Mosaic Trail offers an unforgettable experience in this quaint and welcoming town. Let each step reveal the beauty and spirit of Cummins!

Download our digital brochure here.
Design by Adriana Salas, printed by Tumby Bay Print and funded through the generosity of the Cummins and Community Op Shop.

BIO

The Cummins Mosaic group was founded in 2014, in collaboration with Port Lincoln artist Karen Carr, and supported by Country Arts SA and grant funding from Cummins Community Bank: Bendigo Bank. With a current core group of 15 volunteers the group creates mosaic artworks for the community and town of Cummins on Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. Since inception, the group has remained self-funded and meets weekly in the studio space located at the back of the Cummins Town Hall.

A variety of artwork has been created over the past 10 years. The early focus was at the Cummins Railway Triangle Park which culminated with recognition in the International Toilet Tourism Awards: winning the Best Economic Contributor category as one of only two award winners in Australia in 2018. Artwork involves an iconic representative of pioneer women, Dulcie, who is waiting to board the train outside the toilet block which is recreated with mosaic features to look like the historic (now demolished) Cummins Railway Station. Panels on the toilet building depict the Railway Station tearoom, with ladies serving tea and cake, and John, the ticket officer, waits to welcome visitors, and the porter gives all visitors a friendly wave. Paw prints along the path lead to a cheeky dog looking for relief around the back of the building. Painted and mosaic windows look into the building. A pathway addition in mosaics is also included in the Nature Play area.

A sensory mosaic panel was installed in the Cummins Memorial Hospital Aged Care garden. The scene helps residents and visitors reminisce about their life in a rural community. A trigger for memories!
A request from the Hospital Auxilliary was honoured by the Mosaic group to improve the atrium at the Hospital. A mosaic panel reflecting local rural landscape was installed to give a scenic local view inside the Hospital sun-room.

The group began decorating power poles/ stobie poles post-Covid. After meeting regulatory requirements, the work has progressed to complete 24 mosaic artworks on poles along the Cummins main street and in the Community Garden. In 2025 the Cummins Mosaic Trail brochure was printed to identify the locations of the community Mosaic artworks around the town. This also has a link to the Cummins website www.explorecummins.com.au

In 2024 the group began a major project in celebration of our 10th birthday with mosaic artwork on sculptural seating to form a meeting space in the public area in front of the iconic Cummins Town Hall. This work highlights the local natural wildlife in a stunning display of colourful designs by Goolwa Artist, Mike Tye. Admire the flight of native birds and the beauty of Eyre Peninsula flora while enjoying this community space.
Mike Tye is a community artist, based in Goolwa, South Australia, who has been involved in working with a diverse range of community participants in the creation of mosaic artworks located in towns around South Australia. Further details are available on michaeltye.com.au

The Cummins “Tye-ing us Together” project began with a successful funding application to Regional Arts Australia. Country Arts SA regional co-ordinator, Gillian Steele, supported the group’s application for $20,000 to engage a professional artist to mentor our group.
The Community Bank: Cummins District added $5000 to cover the cost of the project at the time.
A visit to Cummins by Mike Tye in January, 2024 involved discussion about the mosaic artwork to feature by the Cummins Town Hall. After consultation, a design was presented to Lower Eyre Council as managers of the community space on which the project was to be installed.

Artist’s Design concept : Mike Tye

“ The sculptural form, shown in the drawings, is obviously a replica of the front of the Cummins Institute. A replica – but as a ruin. It is a contemplative idea; a great deal of our heritage exists as ruins. The Cummins Institute itself is reasonably safe from becoming ruins but it doesn’t engage with the community the way it once did. The artwork is a reflection on what we have, what we value, and what we’ve lost (or could lose). To reference the Institute in this way, in the artwork, reflects the value the community has for this building.

The design for the mosaic, which will totally cover the form, will be based on local wildlife. The wildlife will be depicted in two ways – as is the Institute. The Institute is depicted as ruins and as it really is (meaning the building is actually there, next to the artwork). The wildlife will, similarly, be depicted in two ways. The wildlife will be depicted in a realistic way, utilizing symmetry in the layout to mimic the architectural style of the Institute building. On the reverse side the same wildlife will be depicted as white silhouettes, representing the memory of that wildlife. Not that the wildlife depicted is extinct but the concern is that it might go that way. As with the idea of a building becoming a ruin, threatened wildlife may cause us to reflect on what we value.

The concept is thus reflected in both the structure and the mosaic.” Mike Tye 2024

In August 2024 Mike Tye began working with the Mosaic group in creating the panels for the accepted design. Development approval was finalised, engineering drawings were arranged, contractor Seamer Civil was engaged so the concrete structures could be built, 34 mosaic panels were produced and the budget was expended. Further funding was needed. Grant applications were made and funding was received through the generosity from the following community groups. The Cummins Mosaic group contributed $10,000 of accumulated funds.

Cummins Community Hotel Ltd. $5,000
Cummins Community Opportunity Shop $5,000
Cummins District Enterprise Committee $10,000
Lower Eyre Council $15,000
Community Bank: Bendigo Bank Cummins District $5,000
Cummins Lions Club $2,000
Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation $1,324

Paving and signage added to the project costs and a community fundraising campaign was arranged. Donations through Australian Cultural Fund and Cummins District Enterprise Committee are tax deductible. Contributors who identified their contact details online are listed below and thanked for their generosity. Other cash donations were given at street stalls by IGA and Five Loaves Bakery – the Mosaic group has been overwhelmed by the awesome community support received.

$2 – $99
Anonymous, Debbie Smith, Jacqui Phelps, Caro Pilgrim, Alison Duncan, Cathie Ferguson, Anonymous, Karen Walzak, Meryl Weetra, Anonymous, WJ & AM Adams, Jan & Gavin Phelps

$100 – $299
Josie Hammond, Marja Nagel, Sally Ferguson, Jodi & Matt Mickan, Five Loaves Bakery, David & Tracey Wooley, Norton Transport, Sally Deslandes, Anonymous, Alice (Liz) Slater, Cummins MGA, Grace Coombs, Modra Family, Barb Greenshields, Rosii Pedler

$300 – $499
Jane Andrew, Petrea Glover

$500 – $699
Thomas Andrew, David Andrew, Leonie Phelps, Geoff Holman, Nutrien Cummins Ag, Leon & Robyn Modra, Phillip Minhard, Robyn Modra,

$1000
Liz & Bob Blacker, Jane Andrew, Trisha & Terry Habner, Wendy Holman, Valerie Hill.

Mosaic group members 2025:
Jane Andrew, Trish Habner, Yvonne Laube, Rosii Pedler, Wendy Holman, Josie Hammond, Liz Blacker, Leonie Phelps, Karen Walzak, Michelle Hansen, Marja Nagel, Robyn Wedd, Jacinta Howell, Suzie Sevell, Barb Greenshields


  • Cummins Railway Triangle

    Artist: Cummins Mosaic Group
    Location: Bruce Tce
    Featuring scenes from Cummins Railway Station, including a tea room, a ticket officer, Dulcie and Chook with luggage, and a mosaic path at the Nature Playground area.


  • In Memory: Ode to Barbara Hanrahan

    Artist: Rosii Pedler
    Location: Umlauf St
    Stobie pole commemorating Australian artist, Barbara Hanrahan.


  • Cummins Area School

    Artist: Karen Carr
    Location: McFarlane St
    A 2014 workshop with artist Karen Carr created a mosaiced hay-bale seat at the school oval, a tree at the Junior Primary entrance, and a mosaic of life in Cummins at the school entrance.


  • Cummins: Our Little Paradise

    Artist:Rosii Pedler
    Location: 54 Bruce Tce – Five Loaves Bakery
    Handmade clay fired tiles, capturing the surfing and fishing culture of our community. Inspired by artist Gerry Wedd.


  • In The Garden

    Artist: Cummins Mosaic Group
    Location: Bruce Tce – Cummins Community Garden
    Garden gnome watching over an enterprising and productive garden.


  • Cummins: Alice in Wonderland

    Artist:Rosii Pedler
    Location: Bruce Tce – Cummins Community Garden
    The whimsical world of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale is brought to life in mosaic form, featuring Alice, the rabbit and other intricate details.


  • Pumpkin Patch

    Artist: Robyn Wedd
    Location: Bruce Tce – Cummins Community Garden
    Showcasing a vibrant scene, with plump pumpkins nestled among lush vines, leaves, and fauna.


  • Lest We Forget

    Artist: Liz Blacker
    Location: Railway Tce
    Poppies and white crosses in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in war, honouring their courage and service.


  • Local Vista

    Artist: J. Lock and W. Holman
    Location: Railway Tce
    A landscape view with native plants, bottlebrush and wattle.


  • Radiant Harmony

    Artist:Leonie Phelps
    Location:10 Railway Tce – Curtis’s
    A lively, eye-catching artwork, featuring colourful swirls and leaves twining up the pole.


  • Lizard Basking in the Sun

    Artist: Yvonne Laube
    Location: 10 Railway Tce – Curtis’s
    A lizard soaking up sunlight, with vibrant scales and detailed textures that capture the serene warmth of the moment.


  • Nurturing Plants

    Artist:Leonie Phelps
    Location:14 Railway Tce – Lincoln Rural
    Capturing the gentle connection between nature and care, this panel highlights the beauty of small, everyday moments in nature.


  • Shearing Time

    Artist: Wendy Holman
    Location: 14 Railway Tce – Lincoln Rural
    The dog Oz, on back of Holden ute, waiting for Mac to round up sheep in shearing shed yard


  • Circles of Nature

    Artist: Cummins Mosaic Group
    Location:16 Railway Tce – Wild Timber
    A captivating panel featuring circles, each representing a different aspect of nature, capturing the beauty of the natural world.


  • The Dawn Watch

    Artist: Trisha Habner
    Location: 18 Railway Tce – Community Bank Cummins District
    A magpie carolling at first light, against the soft glow of the rising sun.


  • BANKING FROM THE CLOUDS

    Artist: Liz Blacker
    Location: 18 Railway Tce – Community Bank Cummins District
    Save wisely (piggy bank) for enjoying time together in the community.


  • Among the Gumtrees

    Artist: Liz Blacker
    Location:24 Railway Tce – Men’s Shed
    Galah wondering what the kookaburras are laughing about.


  • Parrots in Spring

    Artist: L. Phelps and J. Hammond
    Location: 24 Railway Tce – Men’s Shed
    Vibrant parrots perched among gum blossoms, playfully interacting with the colorful flowers, capturing the lively energy of spring, nature and fresh blooms.


  • Pinocchio

    Artist: Trisha Habner
    Location:28 Railway Tce – Cummins Mower & Motorcycles
    The story of Pinocchio with his famous nose, being rescued by the Fairy and the talking cricket offering wisdom.


  • The Sky’s The Limit

    Artist: Liz Blacker
    Location: 28 Railway Tce – Cummins Mower & Motorcycles
    Colorful kites soaring against a bright sky, capturing the carefree spirit and playful energy of a perfect day outdoors.


  • CIRCLES

    Artist: Cummins Mosaic Group
    Location:32 Railway Tce – Lower Eyre Peninsula Council
    Delicate mosaic circles adorned with vibrant flowers, graceful butterflies, and lively birds, capturing the harmony and wonder of nature in radiant detail.


  • Wise Advice

    Artist: Wendy Holman
    Location: 36/38 Railway Tce – Cummins Hotel
    Featuring an uplifting phrase, capturing the essence of enjoying life, laughter, and the pleasure of a good wine.


  • Cummins IGA

    Artist: Cummins Mosaic Group
    Location:42-44 Railway Tce – Cummins IGA
    The local IGA supermarket is surrounded by mandalas, dinner plates, and scenic rural views, all celebrating the joy of community, dining, and the simple pleasure of food.


  • A Rural View

    Artist: Jane Andrew
    Location:42-44 Railway Tce – Cummins IGA
    A scenic rural landscape with rolling hills, a farmhouse and golden fields, capturing rustic charm and natural beauty.


  • Juka

    Artist: Trisha Habner
    Location: Railway Tce – Opposite Cummins IGA
    Inspired and named by mosaic artist Solange Piffer, the rabbit and bee inhabit the garden.


  • FROG IN A POND

    Artist: Y. Laube and M. Nagel
    Location:46 Railway Tce – Cummins Community Hall
    A vibrant mosaic of a frog resting on lily pads, with delicate dragonflies hovering above a tranquil pond.


  • Guardian of Grace

    Artist: Leonie Phelps
    Location:50 Railway Tce – Platinum Hair FX
    Natural beauty personified, embodying grace and serenity. Her calm presence and gentle connection with nature radiate timeless charm.


  • AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE:
    FRIENDS LIVING IN THE TREE-TOPS

    Artist: Karen Walzak
    Location:50 Railway Tce – Platinum Hair FX
    Stunning artwork showcasing native wildlife and vibrant colors, capturing the serene beauty of Australia’s natural habitat.


  • BIRD OF PARADISE

    Artist: Josie Hammond
    Location:52 Railway Tce – MGA
    A radiant mosaic panel capturing the striking beauty and vitality of nature in full bloom.


  • CURIOUS CAT

    Artist: Josie Hammond
    Location:52 Railway Tce – MGA
    “Dare I go outside the house?”, thought the cat.
    “When is the cat coming out?”, asked the dog.


  • IN THE HENHOUSE

    Artist: Y. Laube and M. Nagel
    Location:Railway Tce – Opposite MGA
    A nurturing mother hen with her fluffy chicks, and a proud cock-a-doodle-doo rooster, celebrating the lively spirit of farmyard life.


  • CUMMINS & DISTRICT
    MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

    Artist: Cummins Mosaic Group
    Location: 21 Tumby Bay Road
    A mosaic sensory panel in the Aged Care garden evokes farming memories, while another panel in the Atrium features a view of the Marble Ranges.