General News
28 June, 2026
Help put a new face on Avoca
PYRENEES Shire Council wants to reinvigorate the crossroads of the Sunraysia and Pyrenees Highways and is calling on local artists to help. Council is planning a new public art installation at the crossroads and is calling for artists, community groups and organisations to help design a new look.
The artwork will fill the void left by the former wine barrel display which was removed due to safety concerns.
Designed to create a welcoming gateway into the township, the installation aims to celebrate Avoca's identity as the heart of the Pyrenees Wine Region while encouraging visitors to stop and explore the town.
Expressions of Interest are now open to individual artists, artist collectives, community groups, schools and not-for-profit organisations working in partnership with a practising artist, as well as collaborations between artists and organisations.
Funding for the $33,500 project was secured through the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Fund.
Pyrenees Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Wardlaw said the project would provide an opportunity to showcase the creativity of the region while creating a distinctive entrance feature for the township.
"It was agreed that the wine barrels in Avoca needed replacement but in the process we needed to seek some artwork or sculpture that reflect the welcoming to our area through the crossroads at Avoca," Cr Wardlaw said.
"We recently opened up submissions for artists, groups, individuals to submit expressions of interest and suggestions on the design and topic of the permanent display," she said.
Council plans to work closely with the community throughout the selection process.
"We are excited to work through these submissions with the community to find the best fit, design and implementation of this artwork and entrance feature in Avoca, via consultation and active communication with those who apply and the response of community," she said.
"I look forward to the submissions and creativity that is sure to come to the Council Chamber, there are many in our community with fabulous ideas and skills in this area."
Following the Expressions of Interest process, a panel will shortlist up to two artists or artist teams to progress to the concept development stage.
The shortlisted designs will then be presented to the community for voting before a successful proposal is selected.
Artists and interested groups can review the project details and submit an Expression of Interest through Council's engagement portal at pyrenees.vic.gov.au/engage.
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