A new art installation at Kaniva’s GrainCorp silos is now complete.

Mural and studio artist David Lee Pereira has painted a hobby falcon and orchids on the silos, creating a vibrant and colourful masterpiece for the town.

The artwork took about three weeks to complete, with David working on the project daily. David chose to paint a bird and flowers to reflect on the rare beauty and uniqueness of the town. He also has a self-professed love of flowers and the baroque style.

Silo art at GrainCorp’s Goroke silos is also close to being finished, with artist Geoffrey Carran painting a mural that includes a magpie and a kookaburra.

Council chief executive David Leahy said the two sites were a huge drawcard for the shire, with visitors already arriving at both towns to view the painted works.

“We are very fortunate to have our own piece of the Silo Art Trail in our backyard,” he said.

"People have travelled from all across Australia to view other silo art murals in western Victoria and we hope that West Wimmera Shire can now take advantage of this vital tourism.

“We invite people from all over regional Victoria to come and visit our part of the world, and as COVID-19 restrictions ease, we hope we can open up to tourists further afield.”

Mr Leahy said while visiting the silo art, tourists could take advantage of other attractions available in West Wimmera Shire, including national parks, lakes, wetlands and historical buildings. 

Council delivered the silo art projects on behalf of the Kaniva and Goroke communities. The projects were successful in getting funding through the state government’s Pick My Project campaign.

The Kaniva and District Progress Association was behind the proposal and submitted the Kaniva project to the campaign, while the Goroke community put forward the project for their town.

An information sign about the Kaniva silos will be installed at Band Park. Directional signs along the Western Highway will also be installed in the near future, to help tourists find their way.

Anyone planning on visiting the Kaniva site is advised to view the silos from Band Park in Progress Street.

Visitors are not to park in front of the Kaniva Fire Brigade, as this will blocks access for emergency vehicles and Country Fire Authority volunteers.

Visitors are also not to enter the GrainCorp site while viewing the silos.

Photo courtesy of Annie Austin