Council ponders Hutchence statue

A statue paying tribute to INXS rock star Michael Hutchence is being considered for Richmond, where the singer starred in the cult classic movie Dogs in Space.

A bronze statue of rock star Michael Hutchence planned for Richmond is a step closer.

A City of Yarra council meeting will consider the project this week after friends and representatives of the former INXS frontman, who died at age 37 in 1997, approached the council last year.

The $145,000 project is being led by Melbourne broadcaster Jane Gazzo at the behest of the singer’s US-based sister Tina Hutchence.

Michael Hutchence with other members of INXS.

Money would be raised through a campaign and the council would manage the project, including commissioning the work and doing landscaping.

A report to councillors said the preferred location was a strip of land owned by state agency VicTrack, near the Corner Hotel and a statue of music legend Molly Meldrum, who also supports the Hutchence tribute.

Molly Meldrum and his statue in Richmond. Picture: Nicole Cleary

The council admitted the singer’s links to the area were not strong, but of relevance was his role in the 1980s movie Dogs in Space, which was shot in a Richmond house.

SISTER TELLS OF MICHAEL HUTCHENCE’S LIFE

REMEMBERING MICHAEL HUTCHENCE

“His reach as a musician was global and his involvement with the film … has cult status, as well as being recognised by our heritage agency,” the report said.

“These connections could be seen as sufficient to supporting a statue to honour him in Richmond.”

Hutchence in the film Dogs in Space.

The report recommended that the proposed statue be treated as a gift and added to the council’s public art collection.

Feedback on the idea will be sought from the local community.