The final pieces of the Murray River Council River Country Art Trail puzzle have been put together, with the artists for the Barham mural and Tooleybuc sculpture chosen.
After community consultation and advice from the steering committee, artists were asked to resubmit for the Barham project, bringing in wider themes than originally addressed.
The Barham mural is set to decorate the water tower at the Barham Recreation Reserve on Gonn St.
Artist Gus Eagleton has been selected to bring his piece ‘The Murray River at Dawn’ to life, incorporating the region’s natural environment, and Aboriginal and ANZAC history.
“This artwork captures the tranquil beauty of dawn at the Barham Bridge on the Murray River. As the first light casts a golden hue over the water and the red gums, it illuminates the rich history and diverse cultures that have shaped this region for over two centuries,” he said.
“Silhouetted figures honour the ANZACs, timber cutters, and First Nations people, reflecting the deep respect for those who have contributed to the land’s legacy.
“In the distance, George Rathbone and his loyal steed march in the annual Barham-Koondrook Anzac Day parade and the region’s growth and resilience through farming and timber is also symbolised.
“The composition celebrates the harmony between nature and the First Nations people, highlighting the river’s vital role in sustaining native species and local totems, such as the owlet nightjar, the bayadherra (broad-shelled turtle), and the Australasian darter.
“This piece is a tribute to the region's unique biodiversity and the enduring connection between the land, its people, and their shared history.”
For the sculpture set to call Tooleybuc’s Mensforth Park home, artist Stuart Green has been chosen.
His large piece is set to draw eyes, looking to sit among the treetops.
“ ‘Gathering the Bounty’ is an 11m-tall sculpture symbolising the Riverina region's abundance, with Tooleybuc at its heart,” he said.
“The artwork features a giant human figure, representing the Murray River, harvesting the fruits of the region's natural gifts and human industry. At such a scale it rhymes with the tops of the parkland trees and those lining the river’s edge.
“It is deliberately intended to form a bold marker in the landscape, seen above the tree canopy, drawing people in. The figure holds a basket, symbolising Tooleybuc as a food bowl, filled with the bountiful produce of the land.
“Drawing viewers in with its brightly coloured, spilled fruit that double as playful seating, at night, the artwork then transforms as the fruit is internally lit, creating glowing beacons, while small lights highlight the figure's head and outstretched arm, offering a symbolic taste of Tooleybuc to all.”
The newly-elected Murray River Council passed a motion to approve the designs at its first meeting on Tuesday, October 8.
The project received $1.7 million funding through the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund in November, 2022.
To view the entire project, head to https://yoursay.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/river-country-art-trail-2