Have you seen the Rockingham Ball Machine?

The Ball Machine is an iconic landmark in the local Rockingham Community which was commissioned in 1989 from American artist, George Rhoads (1926-2021).

George Rhoads designed over 250 unique pieces, which can be found all around the world, including Japan, Singapore, France, Mexico, USA and more. Only two were ever displayed in Australia, and the other one in Melbourne is no longer operational, leaving the Rockingham Ball Machine the only George Rhoads’ creation left in the country.

The Audio kinetic sculpture, called ‘Global Circus II’, has been in the Shopping Centre since 1990. It was removed and placed in storage during the centre’s expansion in 2009 and following the public’s demand, it was brought back and relaunched on 21 May 2011.

The ball machine has been refreshed over the years, with new paint, new balls and new signage. It is currently located in the Fresh Food mall, and can be admired in front of Coles.

Did you know? The ball machine uses American billiard balls, which are 57mm in diameter, which is larger than the typical 51mm diameter of Australian billiard balls. This means replacement balls had to be especially ordered for the machine when they were last replaced in 2011.

Make sure to pop by during your next visit, to see the mesmerising journey the 15 billiard balls take around the machine, and listen in to the various sounds the balls make as they shake, spin, balance, and fall to create a captivating array of sounds and movements. Energy created by the ball’s movement varies in a way that keeps the total energy of the system constant.

From the “xylophone drop” to the “cage fight”, which part is your favourite?

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