Local artist Liz Manera to commemorate Cable Beach’s origins with foreshore redevelopment sculpture

Broome art teacher Liz Manera is set to create a landmark sculpture celebrating the historic event which gave Cable Beach its name as part of the foreshore redevelopment project.

Ms Manera’s design will commemorate the installation of the undersea telegraph cable in 1889 at the iconic tourist destination from which Cable Beach is named after.

She plans to represent the workers and other individuals who helped install the cable by incorporating the hats they wore into the sculpture as well as Kimberley sandstone and a Morse code-inspired feature.

Ms Manera said she was excited to start work on the project.

“Broome has been my home for more than seven years and I visited annually for more than a decade before that. I’m incredibly proud to bring this important moment in our history to life with creative and thoughtful design,” she said.

“As an artist, it is exciting to see the Shire of Broome’s commitment to culture and art, as it is a powerful tool to bring the community together.”

The sculpture will be just one of 26 public art and interpretation pieces to bring colour and history to the foreshore redevelopment.

Shire president Chris Mitchell said he was sure the sculpture will become another iconic sunset picture location for locals and tourists.

“The shire was seeking a design which was abstract, interactive and playful and based on Ms Manera’s submission we were confident she would be able to produce an incredible sculpture the community would be proud of,” he said.

“Her submission showed extensive research and exploration of the themes of connection.

“As an art teacher and a Broome resident Liz understands the history of our beloved Walmanyjun Cable Beach and how important it is to locals and the wider community.”

The artwork will be ready for installation by mid-2026 with stage two of the foreshore redevelopment anticipated to be finished in mid to late 2026.