Devenish silo art revealed

Published on 24 April 2018

Devenish silo art celebrates a century of the service of women to their country.

The silo art at the GrainCorp Devenish Silo was revealed today, celebrating the war efforts of women and the contribution of the local community to the First World War.

The artwork was unveiled on Anzac Day eve and coincides with the 100 year centenary of the end of the First World War.

The artwork is of both a First World War nurse and a modern day combat medic. Fifty young men and women from the Devenish community enlisted in military service for the First World War.

Artist Cam Scale said the work is a visual tribute to those young people and to the changing role of women in the military and in society.

“The concept for this work came from a suggestion from the Devenish community wanting to acknowledge and pay tribute to the contribution this town made to Australia’s war effort,” Cam said.

“We decided to look at the changing role of women in military service.

“Part of the joy of doing this work in Devenish has been being part of the community for a few weeks, meeting so many local people and hearing their stories.

“It is also a real joy to me to see so many people enjoying the work and responding to it.”

Kevin Mitchell, the local farmer who led the local effort to have the silo painted said everyone in Devenish has enjoyed seeing the work unfold.

“We are delighted with the way Cam has bought our idea to reality,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We have looked forward to having this artistic tribute to the contribution our town made to Australia’s war effort, and this does it beautifully.”

The project has been a partnership between GrainCorp, the Council, the artist and the local community.

Mayor, Cr Don Firth said the Council is very pleased to support the Devenish community in its initiative to be part of the silo art trail.

“I congratulate the Devenish community on its initiative, Cam for his artwork and GrainCorp for making its silos available.

“Silos are a centrepiece of many rural towns and to have the Devenish silo join the silo art trail is wonderful.”

GrainCorp’s Victoria Regional Manager, Peter Johnston, said: “The artwork is an extraordinary addition to the silo art trail. GrainCorp is a proud Australian company and we hope this is a valued addition to the community for many years to come.

ENDS

“