Photo by: ASAT
GrainCorp Silos at Rochester - Victoria
Artist: Jimmy Dvate
Location: 18 Ramsay Street, Rochester, Victoria
Proudly owned by: GrainCorp
Video by: Aichaye
Photos below of Rochester's 2nd Silo curtesy of GrainCorp
Phots below of Rochesters 3rd silo curtesy of ASAT
ROCHESTER SITE 1
Site One at Rochester marks the beginning of the town’s iconic silo art trail, brought to life by one of Australia’s most respected and accomplished mural artists, Jimmy Dvate. Commissioned in July 2018 to paint the GrainCorp silos, Dvate
brought his signature attention to detail and passion for environmental conservation to the large-scale artwork, creating a mural that both captivates and educates.
True to his ethos of highlighting local and endangered species, Dvate chose to feature the Azure Kingfisher and the Squirrel Glider—two remarkable yet vulnerable creatures that call the region home.
The Azure Kingfisher is a dazzling bird with electric blue and orange plumage, typically found near rivers, creeks, and wetlands. Despite its striking appearance, it is elusive and sensitive to habitat degradation. The species depends
on healthy waterways and intact vegetation along riverbanks to thrive—both of which are increasingly under threat from development, pollution, and climate change.
The Squirrel Glider, on the other hand, is a small, nocturnal marsupial with a soft grey-brown coat and a distinctive membrane that allows it to glide effortlessly between trees. Native to eastern Australia, this shy glider faces serious population decline due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
The clearing of mature trees and removal of understorey vegetation have drastically reduced its nesting and foraging areas.
ROCHESTER SITE 2
With a passion for conservation and a body of work that shines a light on endangered flora and fauna, renowned contemporary artist Jimmy Dvate was chosen to feature the duck-billed platypus for Site Two at Rochester. Known for
his hyper-realistic style and deep connection to native wildlife, Dvate’s mural brings this elusive and iconic creature to life in stunning detail.
The duck-billed platypus—commonly referred to simply as the platypus—is one of Australia’s most unique and fascinating animals. As the only living representative of its family and genus, the platypus is a monotreme, meaning it lays eggs despite being a mammal. It inhabits freshwater rivers and streams in eastern Australia, including Tasmania and is renowned for its distinctive features: a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail.
Although not currently listed as endangered, the platypus faces growing threats from habitat destruction, water pollution, and climate change.
By choosing the platypus as the subject for this striking mural, Dvate draws attention to the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect Australia’s precious biodiversity.
ROCHESTER SITE 3
For site three at Rochester, Jimmy Dvate turned his attention to the vibrant New Holland Honeyeater—another iconic species that reflects the delicate balance of Australia’s natural ecosystems. Dvate captures the striking beauty and energetic personality of this small bird in extraordinary detail.
The New Holland Honeyeater is easily recognised by its bold black, white, and yellow plumage, and its lively, acrobatic movements as it flits among flowering shrubs in search of nectar. Found throughout southern Australia, this species plays a vital role in pollination, helping to sustain native plant life in the regions it inhabits.
Despite being relatively common, the New Holland Honeyeater is highly sensitive to changes in habitat. Land clearing, invasive plant species, and altered fire regimes can all impact its survival. By featuring this important pollinator in his mural, Dvate not only showcases the bird’s visual brilliance but also encourages viewers to appreciate and protect the complex web of life itsupports.
