SHORTLY after celebrating the completion of the world's largest Murray Cod statue, Griffith's Hape Kiddle has seen his two-year project swim downstream to the National Museum of Australia.
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The 650 kilogram sculpture pays homage to the Murray Cod, Murray Darling and river red gum, destined for Canberra where it will honour what makes the Murrumbidgee, the Murrumbidgee.
When asked by The Area News how he felt about the achievement leaving his workshop, Mr Kiddle said he was relieved.
"It's nice to get to the end of it," he said.
"I'm ready to move on, two years was a long time to spend on one thing."
The National Museum of Australia wanted to make an accurate indication of the size of Murray Cod from times past, adding this exact replica to their display to 'wow' guests.
The piece was carved using river red gum from the Murray Darling system, being built from a log which originally weighed 1.1 ton.
To ensure a carbon copy was made, a Murray Cod affectionately named Murray, lived in Mr Kiddle's studio as he completed the carving.
Mr Kiddle will be heading to Canberra the day it arrives, double checking the precious cargo and ensuring it survives the 350 kilometre journey unharmed.
"I'm heading down there to follow up on a few things and make sure everything's in place," Mr Kiddle said.
"I hadn't really thought about what it will be like seeing it there on display, I think that's something I'll cross at that time."
There were a number of locals involved in the project that Mr Kiddle wanted to thank for their help, saying it would never have been possible without them.
"I really want to thank Dale McCleary, Mikey Campbell, Mark Carter, Nick Taprell and Paul from Murray Cod Australia."
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