The small regional town of Walpeup in Victoria’s Mallee region is set to be the latest community to make its mark on the iconic Australian Silo Art Trail.
With the painting of the GrainCorp silos now officially underway, the project will help put the town of 150 people back on the tourism map.
Internationally renowned artist Julian Clavijo, in collaboration with Camilo Delgado, has been chosen to complete the mural, which will pay tribute to Walpeup’s Anzac history and the local men and women who served in war.
The artwork will depict the story of Walpeup local Harold Thomas Bell, who enlisted at just 16 years old in Australia’s WWI efforts before sadly losing his life in the Battle of Bersheba.
Brett Millington, CEO of Mildura Regional Development, has been driving support for this project for several years and understands how significant it is for Walpeup and its surrounding communities.
Our role is to support the Walpeup region in the growth of tourism and the local economy, and we believe this project will play an important role in those efforts.
Brett Millington, Mildura Regional Development
“The Walpeup silos are closely situated to other existing silo art murals, so it’s a natural extension of what’s already a very popular and successful silo art trail in regional Victoria,” says Brett.
“We’re hoping locals, travellers and passers-by can enjoy the mural while reflecting and remembering a powerful legacy that is an important element in the identity of many Australian regional towns.”
Breathing new life into disused silos
Working with local councils and acclaimed artists, GrainCorp’s silo art program aims to support the economic livelihood of regional communities on the east coast of Australia.
Walpeup will be the 15th project to be completed on GrainCorp silos and the second in 2023, following the completion of the Quirindi silos in northern NSW.
“The Walpeup silo art project has been a long time in the making, and we’re delighted to finally see the mural come to fruition,” says Kyle Docherty, GrainCorp’s Community Engagement Manager.
“Our silos at Walpeup have been a landmark in the town for many years and we’re delighted that they’ll continue to serve the community and represent important elements of its history.”
He adds: “We’re thrilled to work with the Walpeup community, Mildura Regional Development, Mildura Rural City Council and the talented Julian Clavijo to bring them to life.”
Does your community want to join the Silo Art Trail?
The next round of applications for GrainCorp’s silo art program open on 1 February 2024. For further information, visit https://www.graincorp.com.au/silo-art/.
GrainCorp’s latest silos to be painted were in Quirindi, in northern NSW.
