“It is a privilege to be affiliated with The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH). I have been working with them for a long time now and I am proud of their ground breaking work and the amazing complex care provided to patients and families on a daily basis.” – Barry Novy OAM
Meet Tree of Life
Tree of Life by Katherine Castle is a reflection of childhood memories of looking for animals in the wild. Featuring some of Victoria’s unique fauna, this UooUoo captures a glimpse of the thousands of creatures, great and small, that can be found in our vast and rich landscapes. It is Katherine Castle’s hope that her work inspires others to appreciate the great treasures in the natural world. Victoria’s most well-known birds and animals are residents of this UooUoo – fairy wrens, a furry koala and a lyrebird.
How many can you see?
With thanks to Gross Waddell ICR
Since 1994, Gross Waddell ICR has carved a blue-ribbon reputation within the real estate industry and is renowned for placing its clients’ requirements first and foremost. In line with their values of honesty, integrity, personal service, and market knowledge – Gross Waddell ICR have generously purchased this wonderful sculpture for permanent display at the RCH.
Meet the Artist - Katherine Castle
Katherine Castle captures the natural world in all its grace, vigour and delicate detail. Her painterly style and adroit use of colour have delighted her patrons for many years. Light, colour and texture harmoniously merge in her compositions to evince subtle beauty and softness.
Through her work with Maxwell & Williams and others, Katherine has been able to share the natural wonders of the world with audiences, providing them with the opportunity to experience the beauty of wildlife close-up, while also creating environmental awareness through her art.
Katherine spends a great deal of her time in nature, perpetually inspired by the Australian bushland and its inhabitants.
“Australia’s wildlife is so diverse, so beautiful, and unique. I hope the children will be enchanted by finding some of their favourite wildlife portrayed on my UooUoo.”
What is UooUoo?
UooUoo (pronounced you-you), was designed by award-winning artist Alexander Knox, and is an imaginary creature whose shape is inspired by Australian animals the wombat and the dugong.
This sculpture is just one of 100 colourful and creative UooUoos which featured as part of Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail, a public art trail that took over the streets, alleyways and parks around Melbourne and Geelong in 2021.
Each UooUoo was brought to life by 100 local, emerging and First Nations artists, and they have now found their forever homes across Victoria, Australia and the world!
Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail?
Combining Victoria’s renowned passion for arts and culture with a dash of outdoor adventure, Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail brought curiosity and colour to the streets of Melbourne and Geelong in a spectacular public art project like no other. Each of the 100 sculptures designed by award-winning Australian artist Alexander Knox was decorated by an Australian artist, making it unique. A free map and app helped the community navigate the trail.
When the art trail event concluded, the sculptures were brought together for a special farewell event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This gave Victorians one final chance to see the sculptures up close. After the farewell event, the sculptures took centre stage at an exclusive auction night. All proceeds from the auction went towards the hospital, leaving a lasting legacy.
Gross Waddell ICR
The Gross Waddell ICR philosophy sees them thinking differently, with intelligent reasoning, a fair and firm personality, and a highly personal approach. As a result, they achieve great property outcomes for all clients.
“The relationships we have built are not by accident. We are there to go the distance with you, as you become a partner and someone we value today, tomorrow and in the years to come.”
Gross Waddell ICR don’t just service your properties; they help and advise you to make the best decisions for you, your organisation, and your family. Gross Waddell ICR is all about people they serve, work with and the community they operate in.
Barry Novy OAM
Barry Novy is a practicing estate agent and Executive Chairman of Gross Waddell ICR, with 45 years of real estate experience. A committed philanthropist, Barry has a longstanding relationship with the RCH, where currently he is the Chair of the RCH1000 Research and Philanthropy network. Previous to this Barry served as an RCH Board member (eight years), Chairman of the RCH Foundation board (nine years), Bioethics Centre Development Board (10 years), and Centre for Hormone Research (seven years).
“Community, like family, has always been very important to me, driving not only my career choices and conduct as a businessman, but also making charitable work an imperative. Philanthropy continues to gain prominence in Australia.”
“I am keen to support community service and charitable giving through my business and personal interests.”
Me and UooUoo collection by Maxwell & Williams
The Australian owned and designed Maxwell & Williams brand was created in 1996 and is a globally recognised homewares brand sold in thousands of retail outlets across Australia and throughout the world. Signing on as a Principle Partner of Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail, Maxwell & Williams worked to provide incredible support to bring the art trail to life and to create a brighter future for sick children at The Royal Children’s Hospital.
Maxwell & Williams championed the art trail with the development of a unique Me and UooUoo collection, including the Tree of Life design. The collection featured six Maxwell & Williams’ artist partners.