Photo by: Simon White

Photos by: Simon White

The Bayles Water Tank Art was completed by artist Simon White in October 2022. Simon recently returned to paint the other side in January 2023.

Bayles is a rural village situated in the area formerly known as ‘the Great Swamp’, neighboring Koo Wee Rup in the Shire of Cardinia. It is 70 km south-east of central Melbourne. Previously known as the Yallock Village Settlement, with the opening of the railway station, the village was named after Frederick Bayles, the first member of the Victorian Railway Construction Branch to be killed in World War I. 

The Community of Bayles wanted their water tank art to showcase the local history of the town from the 1920's and onwards. Artist Simon White, wanted to capture the local steam train and a local cyclist who rode in the Tour de France in 1928. He also wanted to incorporate the men who irrigated the town and the first nurse who came through on horse and cart.



In the lasted artwork completed in January, Simon chose to create a country scene with some Friesian cows, asparagus farming and some local wildlife.