Five years after the initial concept of a water tower mural in Barham, the release of three design concepts sparked significant interest.

The Barham water tower concept was the initial shovel-ready project that aided in Murray River Council's (MRC) successful $1.7 million grant bid to bring an art trail to life across the shire with projects in Moulamein, Tooleybuc, Moama and Mathoura. 

What do you put on a water tower? And what is unique to Barham? One event that spoke to the hearts and minds of those who volunteered and to community consultation over the past two years was the cross-border Anzac march. This annual event draws visitors and locals to line the streets in an emotive display of honouring our service personnel and showing the beautiful bridge and Murray linking the twin towns. 

The concept garnered coverage in the local media, featuring in local Australia Day speeches and presentations to various community groups, including the local Women's Group, Barham RSL, Barham Rec Reserve, Barham Koondrook Lions and Barham Consolidated.

The three artists' interpretations of the concept had a clear favourite, with the artwork of Gus Eagleton striking a chord. “If we removed the random people,” most replied. With the narrow nature of the water tower, the removal of said “random people” may facilitate the inclusion of some of the other high priorities held by the community, such as our natural assets, foundational industries and the area’s cultural heritage. 

The water tower community reference group met earlier this week and hopes to meet with MRC to discuss the final concept. The community can provide feedback through the MRC Have Your Say website, with submissions closing July 12.  yoursay.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/river-country-art-trail-2