The silos on the corner of Sturt and Packenam Sts are prominent landmarks in the town’s skyline.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
For decades, the grain silos by Echuca station have cast a long shadow over the town.
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Four steel behemoths that have sat empty for as long as for most people can remember, the silos are one of the first things visitors crossing the old Echuca-Moama bridge see, and one determined local has an idea to capitalise on the unused prime real estate they offer.
“Silo art is everywhere in this region,” environmental charity Tracks of Change founder Tyler Holland said.
“It’s a shame we don’t have any in Echuca, we’ve got silos in a prime location and an opportunity to do something to attract even more visitors to our town.”
Mr Holland’s silo art project has been in the works for a long time, part of his charity’s ‘beautifying locally’ campaign.
The campaign aims to provide people with accessible ways to contribute to the upkeep and improvement of their local community.
Tracks of Change founder Tyler Holland.
Photo by
Supplied
“There’s no point in doing anything for the community without the community,” Mr Holland said.
“I want this project to be something everyone can contribute to.
“If people don’t want the silos touched, we won’t do it, but since sharing the idea, the overwhelming response has been very positive.
“Ideally, we’d have a period where artists can submit their proposed designs for community members to vote on.”
The next step in the project is meeting with council and getting approval from the silo’s owner, GrainCorp, which Mr Holland has made contact with.
He hopes to fund part of the project with a grant the company offers to “strengthen local communities” that it operates in.
“Unfortunately, projects like this are really expensive,” Mr Holland said.
“But I’ve had people messaging me offering to chip in, and I’ve had more than 70 meetings with various organisations about this and other large-scale projects Tracks of Change is working on.
“I know a Facebook post isn’t indicative of public support, so I’m probably going to make a petition to really show the demand.
“If the community wants it, I’m determined to make it happen.”
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