July 25, 2017
Drivers on Bowman Road in Blackbutt have witnessed the creation of a new piece of public art over the past few weeks.
Volunteers from the Taromeo Rural Fire Brigade and Blackbutt’s Tourism and Heritage Association, Avocado Festival and Aged Care Association have been erecting a wooden post and rail fence to bridge the gap between the Skate Park and the fire brigade’s shed.
In true Timbertowns tradition, they’ve been doing it all by hand (and chainsaw), using local bloodwood and ironbark – a slow, back-breaking process even with the assistance of modern machinery.
The group’s first half day effort a fortnight ago saw them sink half a dozen poles and then slowly connect them up into a fully-formed fence.
Last Friday, a second working bee saw the group erect the remaining few posts and then finish the project off with a special post decorated by wood sculptor Shane Christensen.
Shane paid two visits to Blackbutt last October and in March this year to teach his techniques to local woodcrafters, thanks to a grant from Regional Arts Australia.
As part of these visits, Shane also carved a wooden pole which was intended for use as a public sculpture.
Blackbutt Avocado Festival chairman Jeff Connor said the area between the skate park and the fire brigade shed had formerly been enclosed with a dilapidated barbed wire and star picket fence.
“It wasn’t a good look for the town, so we all got together and came up with the idea of extending an existing post and rail fence that would incorporate Shane’s pole,” Jeff said.
“The end result removes an eyesore and enhances Blackbutt’s railhead.
“We’re very grateful to Regional Arts Australia for covering the cost of Shane’s feature post.”
- Related article: Wood Sculptor Returns To Blackbutt
