Striking 20-metre high mural
Faithe JonesMore than 100 local people raised $20,000 to fund a striking 20-metre-high mural on disused grain silos, opposite the Railway Hotel in Devenish, Victoria.
Painted by Melbourne artist, Cam Scale, over 11 days, the mural depicts two women, 100 years apart - a WWI nurse and a modern-day army medic.
The modern soldier was to be male but Scale said he thought a woman medic "would show the changing role of nursing and of women’s role in society and the military". It doesn’t depict a particular person; two Devenish women served as World War I nurses.
The mural was launched on the eve of Anzac Day, 2018 by Benalla Rural City mayor, Don Firth.
Mr Mitchell, chairman of the Devenish Silo Art Committee, said it was the biggest thing to happen in the town ‘‘for quite a while’’ and widely admired.
‘‘It’s very respectful and beautifully painted. It makes you think. It’s an excellent tribute to those who went away from our district," Mr Mitchell said. ‘‘It’s a tribute to those who put the country ahead of themselves, both in the early days and currently.’’
It will be part of a new ‘‘silo art trail’’ that already includes the towns of Goorambat and Tungamah.
‘‘I think it will create a heck of a lot of interest,’’ Mr Mitchell said. ‘‘It’s certainly going to make everyone aware in Victoria, and wider, where Devenish is.’’
