Karoonda silo mural to highlight region’s farming history

A scenic setting of the bush — complete with Merino sheep and working dog — will adorn the Karoonda silos.

• Karoonda silos lit up with art

The design that will feature permanently on the Karoonda silos has been unveiled, following a successful street party celebrating a light installation at the site.

The huge mural will pay tribute to Karoonda’s farming heritage and features Merino sheep, a kelpie working dog, picturesque bush setting and a historic steam train.

District Council of Karoonda East Murray chief executive Matthew Morgan said it was great representation of the district.

“It was inspired by feedback from the community about what they’d like to see on the silos,” he said.

Renowned street artist Heesco Khosnaran will be working on the Karoonda silos transformation this week.

The design for the permanent art work that will adorn the Karoonda silos

District Council of Karoonda East Murray Mayor Caroline Phillips said securing an artist of Mr Khosnaran’s calibre was a coup for Karoonda.

“Heesco has already made his mark spectacularly on silos in Grenfell and Weethalle in New South Wales,” Mrs Phillips said.

“The Weethalle silo was the first to be painted in New South Wales and was even hand-picked to feature on a national postage stamp.

“This unique artwork, created by one of Australia’s highly regarded street artists, will combine with the incredible illumination projections to deliver an attraction for Karoonda that is truly special and absolutely unique when compared to others nationally.”

The project has been made possible through funding received under the Australian Government’s Drought Communities Fund, which also includes upgrades to Karoonda’s main street.

National grain handler Viterra, which operates the silo, has also provided support for the project.