A community event will be held in Emmaville later this month for the official unveiling of Roobot, a metal kangaroo sculpture created by Queensland artist Mick Brown.
The unveiling by Mayor Margot Davis will take place at 10:00am on Saturday, 30 August 2025, at Emmaville RSL Park. A free sausage sizzle, provided by Taronga Mines, will follow the event.
Mayor Davis said “Our community was consulted on this project, and I’m pleased to share that there was strong support for Roobot’s installation in Emmaville. This striking sculpture is not only a generous gift from Taronga Mines Pty Ltd but also an example of place-making—enhancing the character of Emmaville RSL Park and activating the village as a destination. By working together with local contractors, community groups, and the artist, we are ensuring that Roobot becomes a focal point that strengthens Emmaville’s identity, attracts visitors, and builds pride among our residents.”
Roobot was built from recycled materials, including Volkswagen Kombi and Beetle panels. The sculpture was first displayed at the 2024 Swell Sculpture Festival on the Gold Coast. It is the second large-scale work by Mick Brown, following his earlier piece “Shark Rod.”
The artwork was donated to the Emmaville community by Taronga Mines Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of First Tin Plc, which is developing the Taronga Tin Project near the town.
According to the artist, the sculpture was made as a tribute to animals affected by the 2019 bushfires. Roobot is designed to appear as a robotic kangaroo carrying wildlife to safety.
The Glen Innes Severn Council assisted with site selection, with RSL Park chosen after a community consultation process earlier this year. Installation is being supported by the Men’s Shed and Enzo’s Concrete Services.
The unveiling will mark the official arrival of the sculpture in Emmaville, where it will remain as a piece of public art.
