These two colourful bollards offer a playful glimpse into life on Geelong’s busy waterfront during World War II.

The Sailor and Woman show a sailor on shore leave chatting with a stylish local woman. At the time, visiting sailors were housed at the 1913 King Edward VII Sailors’ Rest, located just across the road. The scene hints at the lively character of the port during the war years.

The bollard artist Jan Mitchell included careful historical details. The sailor’s uniform features the traditional seven creases in his bell-bottom trousers. His kitbag holds a small souvenir doll,  a reminder of the Pacific deployments to places such as Noumea and the Solomon Islands in 1942.

Beyond the humour, the sailor also honours the 85 crewmen of HMAS Geelong, a Royal Australian Navy corvette that carried out anti-submarine patrols protecting Allied ships. In October 1944, the vessel was accidentally struck by a US tanker off New Guinea. Thankfully, all crew members were safely rescued.

Bright and engaging, these bollards balance light-hearted storytelling with a respectful nod to Geelong’s wartime history.