Russell Dower and Steve Langton
April 3, 2012

An old South Burnett tractor has begun its long journey of transformation into a musical instrument.

Instrument designer Steve Langton expects the transformation of the old tractor will take about two months … well in time for its eventual unveiling at Tractor Tattoo in Kingaroy on September 15.

The Kingaroy and District Vintage Machinery Club, which is holding its annual rally in Kumbia on the same weekend as the Tattoo, has donated a vintage tractor for use at the festival.

Club spokesman Russell Dower said the Tractor Tattoo would be an interesting and exciting combination of a vintage tractor teamed with a spectacular sight of music and arts.

“We are happy it coincides with the staging of our annual event to help draw in visitors across Queensland for the weekend tractor spectacle,” he said.

Council’s Arts, Cultural and Heritage Representative Robyn Dower, Russell Dower, Steve Langton and Cr Cheryl Dalton

South Burnett Regional Councillor Cheryl Dalton praised community groups for getting behind the concept of the Tractor Tattoo.

“The work that community groups are contributing to Tractor Tattoo 2012 is amazing! The themes are quirky and not just of the old farm tractor, which is the exciting part,” she said.

The council – with the assistance of Creative Regions – has secured $97,000 in Federal and State arts grants to stage the music and visual arts festival.

A special composition has be commissioned that can be played on the tractor. Other projects will link South Burnett artists, craftspeople and community groups.