Ledger Artwork A Moving Tribute

The three-piece polished concrete and marble sculpture by internationally-acclaimed local sculptor R.M. (Ron) Gomboc has been installed near Bluewater Grill at Point Heathcote Reserve, in Applecross. It consists of two pieces with chess boards incorporated into them. The third, centre piece incorporates a yin and yang design, reflecting Heath’s spiritual beliefs, while a commemorative plaque reads: ‘Art works donated to the City of Melville by Heath’s family. Artist: Ron Gomboc’.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the City was thankful and honoured that the work had been installed in the municipality. “We hope that this amazing sculpture, set in the pristine riverside location of Heathcote, will be respected by the community,” he said. “It is a credit to both the artist Ron Gomboc and Heath Ledger, a young talented man from Perth who made us all proud. The work complements the culturally and environmentally sensitive Heathcote site, which has a long history and is in a prime position for city and river views. The site is a place with a natural, indigenous and built heritage significance.”

Heath Ledger’s family chose this site because Heath himself was “very caring of the environment and heritage” and spent much of his youth in the Applecross area. His mother Sally Bell said he would often walk to Heathcote with his friends. “He truly loved it there,” she said. “As far as the artwork is concerned, we feel it is in no way offensive to anyone and blends harmoniously into the surrounding environment. As for the chess theme, not many people know that Heath was passionate about chess and was close to becoming a ‘Grand Master’.”

Father Kim Ledger said the sculpture’s installation at Heathcote gave Heath’s family and friends a place to visit where he had a presence. “People who visit the site can remember him by using and enjoying the tables, as he would want them to. We didn’t choose anything elaborate as Heath wouldn’t have liked that. He liked subtlety and was very laidback – but extremely aware of who he was,” he said. Mr Ledger added that he had known Ron Gomboc for 35 years and that – like Heath – he was very spiritual and unique, as well as being an amazingly talented artist.

Ron Gomboc was born in Ljubljana, Slovenia but has lived in Perth since his early teens. He established Gomboc Gallery Sculpture Park, in Middle Swan, in 1982. He has been involved in various exhibitions in Australia and overseas, and has received numerous awards. Mr Gomboc said it had been an honour to create this commemorative artwork. “It is hoped people will not look at this from a sad point of view but more of a contemplative one,” he said. “People can think of Heath when they are playing chess and consider how life is like the game: you win, you lose. This also gives the public a chance to relate to one of his passions, and for this passion to continue on.”

Heath Ledger’s family has now left Perth to attend the 81^st Academy Awards and potentially accept an Oscar (Best Supporting Actor) for the late actor’s performance in The Dark Knight. The nomination follows Heath’s recent Golden Globe and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards for the same role.

The family has respectfully requested that the media not contact them regarding the artwork.