LIKE many towns in northern Victoria, silos dominate the landscape of Colbinabbin.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Now the town is keen to get involved in a project that has breathed life back into rural communities across Victoria.
With silo art completed in small towns Devenish, Tunagamah and Goorambat on the other side of Shepparton, Colbinabbin hopes it can be the next link in the chain for travellers heading across the state towards the artwork in Rochester.
Vic Feeds uses the silos for storage, and office manager Carolyn Meyer said artwork would bring more people into the town to support the remaining businesses.
“It would keep the Colbinabbin store and post office viable,” she said.
“If these places are forced to close in the future, where would you get your mail or your milk from? These are things you take for granted until the day they’re gone.
“It would support the hotel as well, and the fuel depot. There are good areas for caravans to stop and stay the night too.”
Colbinabbin has put in a bid for $112,500 as part of the Pick My Project campaign, allowing Victorians to vote on projects bidding for $30 million in state government grants.
The town would wait until funding has been guaranteed before engaging an artist to draw up concepts for the silos.
Ms Meyer admits it will be difficult to compete with larger towns for funding, but was hopeful people in the region would see the benefits for Colbinabbin.
“The town needs a drawcard so people stop here,” she said.
“With more and more vineyards in the area now, we’re at the top end of the Heathcote wine trail and having silo art would benefit our wineries as well.
“We have a mostly elderly population here and need a reason for young people to stay, so keeping our businesses open is a priority.”
Colbinabbin is also seeking funding to build three storage sheds at the town’s recreation reserve.
Silos have been adorned with artwork in other Victorian towns and localities such as Rupanyup, Rosebery, Patchewallock, Lascelles and Sheep Hills.