Rupanyup is alive with artwork at the moment, with new murals honouring volunteer firefighters popping up across the town.
Russian artist Julia Volchkova and Melbourne artist Georgia Goodie are in town painting the silos as part of Yarriambiack Shire's Silo Art Trail. In addition to this, Goodie expanded her artistic flair by painting a mural at a house in Dyer Street which was damaged by fire in September last year.
The mural has been painted in the house's front room and depicts a firefighter. The firefighter is dressed in yellow and the painting is complete with the volunteer's shadow on the floor. The figure resembles firefighters who fought the fire in September and were captured by Mail-Times photographers.
Goodie's final project in the town, which further pays tribute to the town's volunteer firefighters, is a mural on the old shire offices.
"This mural is a respectful nod to the work of volunteer firefighteres," she said.
"Rupanyup has unfortunately had its share of house and building fires."
Goodies said the mural was also about turning something old into something new and embracing change.
Local resident, Helen Uhe, said that, "The building has always been Municipal offices for local council, but closed in 2015 and was handed to Rupanyup for commercial or community use".
Part of the building is now a fitness centre, strong room used by the Historical Society to store valuable ledgers/documents etc. and a temporary chemist, after the chemist building was destroyed by fire just two months ago.
Plans are for the rest of the building to become a community information centre selling locally produced goods etc.
Locals are extremely pleased with how the artwork has turned out and that it is proudly on display for not only those who reside in the town, but passers-by. The artwork is positioned so it is clearly visible to passing traffic on the Wimmera Highway and is in close proximity to the fire station.
Acknowledgement to MailTimes for quotes and images
Author: Melanie Causer