ful stance of the young female farmer. Working the sheep,
it’s hard to tell her age yet she looks determined, tough-
ened, ready for anything, perhaps wisened by her experi-
ence on the land. Beside her stands an older male. Look-
ing down, as is his horse, there’s a feeling of trust, a bond,
a love between man and beast – they work together and
respect each other.
Sheep Hills. These 1938 built silos are bright and bold,
much like the indigenous cultures they depict. Two
young children; Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald,
are flanked by Wotjobaluk Elder, Aunty Regina Hood and
Wergaia Elder, Uncle Ron Marks. The youngest seem to be
held in a loving embrace as the two elders protect them.
The twinkle in the children’s eyes is mesmerising, they
stare back at you, inquisitive as much as you are.
This work will see you wanting to know more; the indig-
enous people of the area will enlighten and educate as you
seek to understand that aboriginal culture is as important
to the Wimmera Mallee as that of farming and townships.
The southern end of the Trail is located at Rupanyup
where the art was created by Russian artist, Julia
Volchkova. Perhaps it was the intention or purely an acci-
dent however, the Rupanyup silos seem to have the most
optimistic, youthful and freshest look.
Ebony Baker and Jordan Weidemann, two local kids,
two local competitors in two of the mainstays of small
Australian communities; Netball and Football. Both look
on and up in a fresh, positive way.
Overlooking the town, probably the most prosperous
of all the Silo Art Trail towns, the work has an almost
sketched on the spot appeal to it. There’s a depth that
seems too unreal, photographic. It feels that there’s a fu-
ture for Rupanyup. A future for all on the Silo Art Trail.
If you’re in Australia, don’t pass by the north-west of
Victoria, visit the Silo Art Trail. Sit for a while, admire
these giants of the pastoral towns. Sit and get to know the
locals. LW
TRAVERSE 58