Ballina Public Art – Aureus Cubby

Nestled within the Aureus Estate Neighbourhood Park at Skennars Head, Aureus Cubby is a beautifully tactile sculpture by artist Jade Oakley, designed to spark curiosity and play.

Inspired by nature and the community’s close connection to the sea, the sculpture resembles a grotto or rock pool, shaped as though it has been gently eroded by wind and waves. Made from cast concrete tinted with cobalt oxide, its smooth, curving surface mirrors the driftwood tones and sea hues of the nearby coastline.

Inside the cubby, children can discover brass shells embedded in the concrete — cast from species found along Skennars Head’s beaches. These hidden details encourage exploration and reflect the area’s rich coastal ecology.

Jade Oakley is an Australian artist renowned for her large-scale public artworks inspired by nature, movement, and community. Her sculptures often draw from organic forms, creating spaces that invite interaction and reflection. With Aureus Cubby, she transforms art into a sensory experience — blending craftsmanship and imagination to create a space that feels both natural and magical.