The official opening of the Katamatite Silo mural was held on Wednesday, September 13, at a small ceremony attended by local dignitaries, members of stakeholder groups and the public.
Chair of Moira Shire’s Panel of Administrators John Tanner was present at the event, held in front of the Katamatite silo, and began his speech by acknowledging the hard work it took to get to opening day.
“We celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, collaboration, and dedication,” he said.
“This project is the result of a remarkable partnership between The Katamatite Silo Art Working Group, the Moira Shire and GrainCorp Limited.”
Mr Tanner said the Katamatite Silo Mural will help put the town on the map.
“We not only witness the unveiling of a mural but the transformation of Katamatite into a destination for art,” he said.
“This artwork will undoubtedly attract visitors from far and wide, leaving a lasting impression on our community.”
Present at the event was Tim Bowtell, who painted the mural over several weeks.
On completing the mural, Mr Bowtell said he felt good but had expected the project’s enormity to sink in once he had time to reflect on the job.
With that time having come, Mr Bowtell said he couldn’t be prouder.
“It was good to see it with fresh eyes. I hadn’t been over there since I had finished. I’m very proud,” he said.
“When I left, I still had some self-doubts, but returning after six weeks and seeing the finished mural again it erased any doubts I had.”
Mr Bowtell believes the decision by the various stakeholders to paint the silo is a win for the area.
“It’s looking really good. They are getting lots of visitors,” he said.
Asked what he thought about the ceremony, Mr Bowtell said it was pleasant.
“The opening went really well. It was good to catch up with the various stakeholders,” Mr Bowtell said.