A popular Riverina tourist hot spot could soon be seen by millions.
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The famous Weethalle Silo Art Project – which depicts a shearer holding a sheep while a farmer examines his crop of ripened wheat – has been launched as a series of stamps by Australia Post.
The stamps were launched in front of the silos on Monday morning, with officials and community members alike travelling to attend the ceremony.
Project partner and silo owner Paul Northey said the silo art had done great things for the town.
“Bland Shire Council initiated the idea. They put the idea to us and we jumped at it,” he said.
“It was a great idea for the town. It’s hard to put these little towns on the map. People stop here now and it makes a big difference for the town.”
Bland Shire Council approached Jenny and Paul Northey about the project after they purchased the silos two years ago. Mongolian-born, Melbourne-based muralist Heesco Khosnaran was later selected by council to complete the project.
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Mr Northey is also blown away by the artwork.
“Heesco, he’s amazing. I don’t know how anyone can do something like that – it’s amazing.”
He says the artwork is meant to represent the sheep and grain industry as the lifeblood and backbone of many country towns in the area.
“The whole community is proud,” he said.
“We wanted to represent the sheep industry and the grain industry. This isn’t just for Weethalle. It represents all of southern Australia.”
It is believed the project is the first of its kind in the state.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke came to see the unveiling of the special stamp. She paid tribute to the local community and council for their hard work.
“It’s absolutely wonderful .. we’re here to see the unveiling of the postage stamp. It’s been selected as part of the new stamp collection launched by Australia post,” she said.
“Full credit to the Bland Shire Council and this wonderful community out here who have been such an important part of this project right from the get-go.”