GrainCorp Silos at Thallon - Queensland

Thallon is a small country town located in the Balonne Shire in Queensland. The towns silos are surrounded by prime grain growing country making them a central hub for Weengallon, Nindigully, Mungindi, Dirranbandi and Thallon itself. 

In late June 2017 The Zookeeper and Drapl began work on the Thallon Silos. They were the first of their kind in Queensland and are officially the 10th painted silos to be included in the Australian Silo Art Trail Collection.

The Watering Hole

Titled ‘The Watering Hole’ the mural portrays the Thallon district and its surrounding area to perfection. It features the Moonie River, an amazing Thallon sunset and the area’s agricultural base. It also recognises members of Thallon’s indigenous community by the inclusion of a scarred tree. 

The overall inspiration for the mural comes from the work of three local photographers. They are Chantel McAlister’s ‘First Light’, the ‘Moonie River’ by Lila Brosnan and Gary Petrie’s shot of two pale face rosellas. ‘The Watering Hole’ was created from just a single A4 drawing, the imagination of the artists Joel and Travis and the Thallon Community. 

The giant mural, which covers four 30 metre high silos took just three weeks to complete using about 500 litres of paint and 500 paint spray cans. Conditions for painting the mural were also perfect.

The Thallon Silos are a success!

On speaking to Leanne Brosnan, who coordinated the silo project, Leanne puts the success of the design down to the time Joel and Travis took to get to know the Thallon Community and of course their incredible talent and commitment to the project. The Zookeeper & Drapl could also see just how much the Thallon Community needed this project to succeed. 

In the brief the artists prepared before painting the silos they are quoted as saying “We want the community to look up to the silos as the sun sets each day and be reminded of why they love the land they live in”. 

Leanne also commented that while she was initially nervous of how the artwork would be received by the community, she knew it was a success when at the end of every day, the farm and work utes would start rolling into town to watch the artists work as the sun went down.

Not only has the mural proved popular with the people of Thallon, but it has also been a huge hit with visitors as well. Leanne said the town had experienced a big jump in visitor numbers since the silos were painted and this has given the community a huge boost, despite the ongoing drought. It has also meant the town’s last remaining business, The Francis Hotel, which includes the local Post Office and General Store, is now more sustainable. The locals believe that good things can happen in Thallon and now hope for a brighter and happier future. 

Stakeholders

The mural project was a co-initiative between GrainCorp, the Thallon Progress Association and artists Joel Fergie and Travis Vinson. It was also made possible by a Regional Arts Development Fund grant. The Balonne Shire Council, Taubmans Australia, Arts Queensland, Rural Affinity Insurance, the Thallon Pub and the Thallon Community. Also a special thanks to the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service Drought and Well-being Program .