GrainCorp is marking a major milestone in its silo art program with the completion of its 20th mural in Birchip Victoria – coinciding with 10 years since the company helped ignite Australia’s iconic silo art movement on the east coast.
The Birchip mural continues GrainCorp’s decade-long commitment to celebrating the people, stories and landscapes of rural Australia through large-scale public art – now one of the country’s most recognisable regional art initiatives.
GrainCorp Community Engagement Manager Kyle Docherty says the addition of the Birchip project in this anniversary year is a proud moment for GrainCorp and the communities it works with.
“Birchip represents everything the silo art movement stands for – strong community spirit, a deep connection to agriculture, and a story worth sharing.”
He adds: “It’s a privilege to have worked so closely with the local community, particularly the Birchip Community Forum, to help bring the silos to life in a way that will be celebrated long into the future.”
“The boy from Birchip”: Bringing a local legend to life
Located in the heart of Victoria’s Mallee region, the town of Birchip has a population of just over 700 people but now features one of the most compelling local stories on the silo art trail.
It’s the story of jockey Ray Neville, who at just 15-years-old defied all odds to bring the 1948 Melbourne Cup home to Birchip.
Having acquired his jockey license only eight weeks prior, neither Neville nor his horse, Rimfire, were seen as serious contenders, with their odds 80-1.
However, their victory became the first Melbourne Cup race to be decided by a photo finish – cementing the moment as a defining chapter in the town’s history.
Birchip local and former trainer Rod Glen said the story has long been part of the town’s identity.
“It’s a story the whole community has grown up with,” Rod reflects.
“Now that it’s been brought to life on the silos, it’s something that will be remembered by both locals and visitors for generations.
Rod Glen
We hope that it draws people from all walks of life to our town.”
Planning for Birchip’s silo art mural started back in 2020, led by Rod’s late wife Joan Glen, a passionate community advocate who worked tirelessly to put Birchip on the map.
This week, Joan’s vision came to life, with the mural – spanning across five GrainCorp silos – completed by local muralist and oil painter Kyle Torney.
Known for his Renaissance-inspired style and highly detailed portraiture, Kyle says the project holds personal significance.
“Being local to the region means the story isn’t just another brief – it’s part of the history I grew up around,” he says.
“Connecting with the community while I paint is something I’ve really enjoyed, and the Birchip township has been incredibly welcoming.”
Kyle Torney
Despite early delays due to strong winds, Kyle says the challenges are simply part of the craft of working at such scale.
“The last few days are when everything comes together – the forms sharpen and the mural takes on a life of its own.”
He adds: “You just have to trust the process, especially on a canvas this big!”
A trail that continues to grow
GrainCorp’s silo art program began back in 2016 with the now-famous mural in Brim, Victoria – the first silo artwork to be completed on Australia’s east coast.
A decade on, the movement has grown into a national phenomenon, inspiring close to 80 silo artworks across the country.
The addition of Birchip to the trail is expected to provide another highly beneficial boost for the Wimmera-Mallee region, already home to at least 12 silo murals.
According to Rod, it also adds another reason for travelers to stop – beyond just tasting the town’s world-famous vanilla slice.
“The town now has another reason for people to stop, visit and experience what makes Birchip so special,” he concludes.
To find out more about GrainCorp’s silo art program, visit https://www.graincorp.com.au/silo-art/
To get involved in GrainCorp’s 10 years of Silo Art celebrations, visit: https://www.graincorp.com.au/silo-art/10-years/
