Hundreds of people descended on Goorambat, the small town with the big art, on Sunday, June 2 to mark the official opening of its latest silo mural.
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Completed as part of this year’s Wall to Wall Festival, the steel silo features three Clydesdale horses with a special connection to the town.
It complements the two existing silo murals, which have proven successful in increasing tourism numbers.
Meredith Tolliday, a member of Goorambat and District Community Group which arranged the project, said since the first silo was completed by artist Jimmy DVate, more than 60000 people had passed through the town.
‘‘The new art here, the Clydesdales, are just fantastic. Jimmy’s done a wonderful job,’’ Ms Tolliday said.
‘‘Milli the barking owl is superb and so is the landscape on the second silo.
‘‘We’re just so thrilled to have Jimmy back to do the third one, he’s just so good with animals and birds.
‘‘And he’s a real conservationist, so it’s really important to him to promote the health and wellbeing of animals in Australia.’’
Ms Tolliday said when plans were being drawn up for the first silo the community had no idea it would prove so successful.
‘‘I’m not sure this third silo was always planned, but DVate is a wonderful artist and a nice man, and we love having Jimmy and his wife stay in town,’’ she said.
‘‘He’s very comfortable here, as he is with every community he paints in, he really becomes part of the township and enjoys the country life.’’
Part of the day’s festivities included a classic car and farm equipment parade, live music, a selection of food and drink and the official unveiling of new sign boards which offer some insight into the artwork.
They were unveiled by Matt Trewin, whose family bred the horses depicted on the newly decorated silo.
‘‘It’s a great honour to be here today,’’ Mr Trewin said before revealing the signs.
‘‘I want to congratulate the Goorambat and District Community group for what they’ve achieved.
‘‘They’ve really put a spring in the step of everyone in town.’’
The day drew an array of local dignitaries including State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan, Benalla Rural City Mayor Scott Upston a selection of Benalla Rural City councillors and members of the Wall to Wall Committee.
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