Ideas sought for Skipton bridge artwork

Published on 10 June 2021

Award-winning artist Jimmi Buscombe has been commissioned by Corangamite Shire Council to paint an informal flood gauge on the south-eastern pylon of the Skipton Bridge over Mount Emu Creek.

Mr Buscombe will hold a community workshop for Skipton residents interested in contributing to the design. The artwork will show at a glance when the waters of the creek are rising or falling. The consultation will be at Skipton Mechanics Hall on Tuesday 15 June at 7pm. A light supper and tea and coffee will be provided.

Skipton Progress Association president Pamela O’Neill said the opportunity to have a Jimmi Buscombe artwork created specifically for Skipton was a real feather in the cap for locals and would be a big drawcard for the town.

“Jimmi is noted for his artwork right across the south west region and further,” she said. “I really encourage Skipton locals to attend the community meeting to have their input and ensure the design fully celebrates everything that is great about Skipton, be it brolgas, platypus or some of the area’s plant life.”

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said it was great that the long-awaited project was finally going ahead.

“The idea was raised during flood planning in 2018 but was delayed while our Emergency Management Team responded to bushfires and the pandemic,” Cr Gstrein said.

“This informal flood gauge will be visible from the road so community members will be able to observe the river levels from a safe distance.

“Council is working with the Bureau of Meteorology on a total flood warning system, but it’s a complex project that will take time to get right.

“In the meantime, this artwork will be a rough guide to help residents with their flood preparedness during the wet season, and a bit of fun for the rest of the year.

“We hope the people of Skipton will be proud to have a new tourist attraction by a well-known artist.”

Mr Buscombe is known locally for his brolga mural on the Lismore water tower and specialises in highly detailed wildlife art, murals and portraiture. He integrates a range of methods and mediums to create lifelike representations. See more of his work here.