New Roots , New Game

This wooden sculpture captures the spirit of an Italian immigrant boy navigating his new life in Australia. With a casual stance, bare feet, and a football cradled in his arm, he symbolizes the blending of heritage and adaptation. His tilted cap and relaxed posture reflect the confidence of youth embracing a foreign culture while still holding onto his roots.

Footy, a newfound passion, represents more than just a game—it is a bridge to belonging, a means of connecting with peers, and an entry into the rhythms of Australian life. The raw, hand-carved texture of the wood echoes the resilience and craftsmanship of the immigrant experience, mirroring the hands that built new lives in an unfamiliar land by having a kick from our very own Burwood park.

This piece speaks to the universal experience of cultural integration—the joy of discovery, the challenge of change, and the beauty of finding one’s place in a new world.