The Art on the Great Victorian Rail Trail Project was opened at Trawool Estate on Friday, May 26, ahead of a major tourism campaign planned for spring.
The project has seen seven large-scale artworks and a series of smaller works placed along the length of the 134km Great Victorian Rail Trail.
Murrindindi, Mansfield and Mitchell shire councils worked together to attract visitors to the trail and surrounding towns through the impactful art installations.
The improvements also include a series of new wayfinding and interpretive signs installed along the trail.
The signs share First Peoples’ stories and connect people with sites along the trail.
Seven artists were chosen for the large-scale works through a two-stage expression-of-interest selection process and Taungurung artist Mick Harding was also selected to create 20 scar trees along the trail.
Mr Harding and his sons removed the bark from eucalypts and carved symbols into them to articulate their relationship to their ancestors and country.
The work draws on traditional tree scarring practised by many First Nations people from south-east Australia.
Taungurung people have been removing the bark from trees to use for various purposes such as baby carriers, food collection vessels and canoes for at least 2000 generations.
The trees will heal over time, leaving a lasting marker of the continued connection of First Nations people to country.
Guests at the opening heard from state Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes about the project and its potential to bring visitors and economic benefits to the region.
Mitchell Shire Council thanked the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund for a $1.2 million grant, which covered the full cost of the artworks, their installation and the selection process.
Mayor Fiona Stevens said tourism was valuable to the local economy, and the artworks would give people another reason to explore the area.
“It’s been interesting to see the artworks come to life and to witness the artists’ interpretation and how their works were inspired by the wonderful surrounds,” she said.
“This amazing trail set among stunning natural environment is now enhanced further to provide a unique and enjoyable outdoor experience.
“It will now also be interesting to hear how visitors interpret these works.”
For more information about the artists and the artwork, visit the Great Victorian Rail Trail website.