DYIPNI

This "Jeepney" was the work of 14 local Filipino welders & fitters whose families work, live & contribute in the town of Gnowangerup. Over winter-June through to the spring of October 2021-they dedicated long hours after work and many weekends to transform an old International Harvester Tractor (circa 1950) into this magnificent installation.

They wanted something iconic & familiar to remind them, and their children of where they originated from, and  to also to signal something that demonstrates their adoption of Australia as their new way of life. First-name plaques of the men who worked on the Jeepney are welded to the inside roof. 

The Philippine Jeepney is a Filipino innovation of the G.I. surplus jeep during  the 1940's.  The unique vehicle was the answer the the country's scarcity of transportation after the war.  It has the same strong engine of a US army jeep but it was resized and converted into a public bus.  A typical Jeepney would usually accommodate 20-30 commuters.  The result was a time-enduring vehicle with a remarkable combination of Filipino ingenuity & creativity in the midst of the post-war crisis. 

In terms of appearance, no Jeepney is exactly the same,  Every single one has it's own unique design.  Today, the Philippine Jeepney is the most popular means of transport in the Philippines.  It is proof of the Filipino's national character and espirit-de-corps displayed by it's proud and determined citizen's ability to adapt, to improvise and to overcome.  

The design of this Jeepney is inspired by the Filipino National Flag.  The pattern of the sunrise is an iconic symbol that represents Philippine traditions and ideals and coveys the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.  

As one walks to toward the rear fender the Philippine flag merges with the familiar Southern Cross of the Australian Flag.  This is symbolic of the adoption of Australia as their new home.  Along side this is the word "Cooee"--which was used as a signal by First-nations Australians and adopted by settlers.  It is a welcoming "Cooooeee" to hop aboard and ride the Jeepney and a nod to the rural setting where to this day you might hear the odd Cooee from a farmer trying to gain attention. 

Along the edge of the roof is a stylized strip to represent a decorative curtain--its pattern is inspired by the Mallee Fowl footprint, which is the emblem of the Shire of Gnowangerup.  
The Jeepney was built with playfulness in mind for fathers and mothers to play with their children.  It features a working steering wheel, gear shift and is fitted with a V10 'supercharged' engine--worthy of The Horsepower Highway.  

It is the King of the Road with it's 2 massive air horns, bullbar and 8 galloping horses.  
"Cooee"-Welcome Aboard--hop in for a ride in our Jeepney!  

DYPINI: a project by the Gnowangerup Filipino Community with acknowledgement for the help and donations from: Duraquip, Orrcon steel-Albany, Castech, Gnp Mens Shed, the House Family, Intersteel-Perth, Striling Ag--Gnp & surrounds, GNP360.