Governor-General Unveils Permanent Toowoomba Sculpture at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay

Australian Governor-General Her Excellency Sam Mostyn AC has officially unveiled a plaque at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, marking the permanent installation of Toowoomba's Genestreaming Journey sculpture in the attraction's Outdoor Gardens.

Standing three metres tall, the Genestreaming Journey sculpture was originally part of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers' Australia-themed floral showcase at the Flower Dome from September to November 2024. The sculpture has now become a lasting feature at one of the world's most iconic garden destinations.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald welcomed the international recognition, describing it as a "terrific outcome" for the region.

"I'm delighted that Governor-General Mostyn was in Singapore this week to unveil the plaque commemorating the sculpture's permanency," Mayor McDonald said. "Visitors from across the globe experienced our unique display last year, and now this sculpture will stand as a permanent symbol of Toowoomba's connection to Gardens by the Bay - and more broadly, Australia's strong ties with Singapore."

Mayor McDonald praised the project as a lasting legacy of the region's involvement in the 2024 Carnival of Flowers and thanked all who contributed, including the Gardens by the Bay team and the Governor-General.

The Genestreaming Journey sculpture represents an evolutionary tree, illustrating the interconnectedness of species over millions of years. Shaped like a budding flower, the structure combines First Nations art on the interior with naturalist art on the exterior.

Created through a collaboration between artists Ben Beeton and Mali Moir, alongside Toowoomba-based First Nations artists and engineers, the sculpture is part of a national initiative celebrating Indigenous culture, scientific discovery, and conservation. This marks the first time a Genestreaming Journey sculpture has been installed outside of Australia, symbolising the growing cultural ties between Singapore and Australia.

Toowoomba-based agribusiness Mort and Co was a major sponsor of the sculpture's display in Singapore, helping bring the project to life on the international stage.

Gardens by the Bay, which has welcomed more than 100 million visitors since opening, continues to receive global acclaim. Recent accolades include the 2025 Tripadvisor Traveler's Choice Award for Best of the Best (Cloud Forest), Top Nightlife Attraction in the World by Trip.com, and multiple awards for sustainability and tourism excellence.