The GrainCorp silo art program has completed its 20th mural in Birchip Victoria, 10 years since the company began supporting Australia’s silo art movement on the east coast.
GrainCorp community engagement manager Kyle Docherty said the Birchip project is a proud moment for the company and demonstrates how a mutual passion for something can bring together communities.
“Birchip represents everything the silo art movement stands for, strong community spirit, a deep connection to agriculture, and a story worth sharing,” Docherty said.
“It’s a privilege to have worked so closely with the local community to help bring it to life in a way that can be celebrated long into the future.”
With a population of just over 700, Docherty said moments like this can be special for small regional towns.
Located in Victoria’s Mallee region, the Birchip mural pays tribute to jockey Ray Neville, who at 15-years-old brought home the Melbourne Cup back in 1948.
Having acquired his jockey license only eight weeks prior, neither Neville nor his horse, Rimfire, were seen as serious contenders, with their odds 80 to 1.
However, their victory became the first Melbourne Cup race to be decided by a photo finish, cementing the moment as a defining chapter in the town’s history.
Birchip local and former trainer Rod Glen said the story has long been part of the town’s identity.
“It’s a story the whole community has grown up with,” Rod said.
“Now that it’s been brought to life on the silos, it’s something that will be remembered by both locals and visitors for generations. We hope that it draws people from all walks of life to our town.”
The silo art was completed by local muralist and oil painter Kyle Torney. The plan initiated back in 2020 by Rod’s late wife Joan Glen and is now complete roughly six years later.
Torney said the project has personal significance to him, having grown up in the area hearing all about Neville’s story.
“Connecting with the community while I paint is something I’ve really enjoyed, and the Birchip township has been incredibly welcoming,” Torney said.
GrainCorp’s silo art program began back in 2016 with the now-famous mural in Brim, Victoria, the first silo artwork to be completed on Australia’s east coast. 10 years later and the country is now close to 80 silo artworks.
Rod said the addition of Birchip will provide greater reason for travellers to visit.
“The town now has another reason for people to stop, visit and experience what makes Birchip so special,” he said.