In 2022, the Victorian State Government announced $8.5 million in funding to support the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements project. To support the delivery of the project, Tourism North East is the lead agency, working closely with the Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo and Alpine Shires.
Use the below links to find out more about the project and its progress.
INDIGO SHIRE UPDATE
RUTHERGLEN SILO PRECINCT | APRIL 2025
INSTALLATION IS UNDERWAY
We are delighted to announce that artist Ronan Holdsworth has begun the mural installation at the Rutherglen Silo Precinct, titled Birds of Seasons, and is making incredible progress.
Weather permitting, the artworks are expected to be completed by early May.
Birds of Seasons celebrates the local fauna that subtly guides the rhythm of life in the region. These small, beautiful birds have historically played a vital role in signalling the changing seasons to First Nations peoples and farmers alike and are a significant part of the region's ecology. Each silo in the series represents a specific season, with a bird chosen for its distinct colour palette, reflecting the essence of that time of year. Within the forms of these birds, intricate details reveal seasonal crops, golden veins and specific markings inspired by historic gold maps, and unique land patterns informed by stories from the local community.
The first silo, now complete, features the Eastern Spinebill Honeyeater, paired with sprigs of Common Heath. These honeyeaters are often seen hovering around native plants such as Common Heath, probing the tubular flowers with their long, curved beak.
The second silo features Billy Buttons alongside the Red Capped Robin, with its rich red and warm orange hues, capturing autumn’s changing landscape.
The third silo features the Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, embodying summer’s warmth and vitality. Within the bird, delicate linework honours Rutherglen’s grape harvest, featuring golden Muscat and a hidden wine glass. Alongside the bird is River Red Gum, whose vibrant summer blooms stand as a symbol of the land's deep history and Indigenous knowledge.
The fourth silo features the Pink Robin, with its vibrant belly symbolising the transition into Spring, alongside iconic Flannel Flowers. This design also incorporates golden wheat patterns representing seasonal abundance, as well as golden markings that evoke Goldrush- era maps, honoring regional history.
Following questions from a small number of community members regarding species selection, the project team sought additional clarification from Parks Victoria and Birdlife Australia in regards to the Pink Robin. We can confirm that the Pink Robin is part of the ecology of our region, and species reporting data confirms sightings between Rutherglen and Chiltern. The Pink Robin roams between Tasmania and Southern NSW, through North East Victoria.
This combination of native birds and flora have been selected not only for their significance to regional ecology, but also to deliver a vibrant, iconic and colourful artwork series.
BEECHWORTH RAILWAY PRECINCT | APRIL 2025
INSTALLATION IS UNDERWAY
We are thrilled to be working with Ben Gilbert of Agency of Sculpture to revitalise the Beechworth Railway Precinct into an inclusive civic space to complement the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail experience.
Indigo Shire Council sent their drone up to capture the construction progress at the Beechworth Railway Precinct and there's been plenty more action on site this week.
The flying fox columns are now in place, the internal floors for the new toilets have been constructed, the steel water tank play element installed, and the underground boring completed for the electrical connections. Several more large rocks have also been added to the nature play area.
These works are expected to be completed by June 2025.
FAQ's
Q. Why are the silos being painted with a mural?
A. The Rutherglen Silo Precinct is included in the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancement Project as a strategically important site.
Not only are the silos situated in the heart of Rutherglen, they sit at the trailhead of the Murray to Mountains Trail section (between Rutherglen and Wahgunyah) and the soon to be completed Rutherglen Loops Trail Network.
The commissioning of artwork on the silos will deliver a culturally significant point of interest for the town, driving awareness and visitation.
Q. How was the artist chosen?
A. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancement Project, managed by Tourism North East, has followed a robust creative selection process for artworks commissioned as part of the project.
A cultural symposium (open to the public), was held in November 2023 to collect thoughts and ideas from community members about the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project. The inputs gathered informed both the site selection and creative territories for the project.
Furthermore, artists from across Victoria were invited to submit an EOI to participate in the project. The EOI was open for six months and artists from all disciplines were welcome to submit their credentials.
The Creative Team, DAE Global, proceeded to curate a program of works through a series of direct commissions and selected pitch opportunities to create a dynamic enhancement collection across trail network.
Ronan Holdsworth was chosen as the mural artist for the Rutherglen site following a competitive tender process. All submissions in the competitive process were assessed by a selection panel. Panel members included Indigo Shire Council, Tourism North East, the silo asset owner, a member of the Rutherglen Community and the Project Creative Director.
Q. When will the concept be finalised?
A. The appointed artist will develop the concept over the coming months and once the creative development has been completed, the final concept images will be shared with the community.
Q. How much is this costing?
A. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancement Project is supported by the Victorian State Government via an $8.5 million grant. The grant was announced in the 2022 Victorian State Budget.
The aim of the project is to increase visitation and expenditure within the High Country region through the development of improved products and experiences.
FAQ's
Q. Where is the Beechworth Railway Precinct located?
A. The Beechworth Railway Precinct is located to the south of Beechworth township, off Albert Street, between Harper and Railway Avenues.
Q. Why is Tourism North East involved in this project?
A. In 2022, Tourism North East secured $8.5 million in funding from the Victorian State Government to support the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements project.
As such, Tourism North East is the lead agency, working closely with the Rural City of Wangaratta, Indigo and Alpine Shires to deliver the project.
Q. What is Indigo Shire’s involvement?
A. Tourism North East is working closely with Indigo Shire Council to deliver the project. Indigo Shire Council have been involved in the development of the strategy, selection of sites, community consultation sessions and the development of all artist briefs within the Indigo Shire.
The Council will also oversee the installation of all works on the site as the land manager.
Once the works are completed, they will become an asset of Indigo Shire Council.
Q. What is happening to the Goods Shed?
A. The Goods Shed is an important building within the precinct, however the funding secured is specifically related to rail trail and will be used to improve the external area of the precinct.
Noting that the goal is to activate the Goods Shed in the future, the improvements to the landscaping within this project will support any future activation of the building.
Q. Why is this project being prioritised over others?
A. The funding secured is specifically targeted at improving the user experience of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail.
Funded via the State Government’s Tourism Portfolio, the project aims to:
- Make the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail the pre-eminent rail trail in the Southern Hemisphere
- Drive repeat visitation and advocacy to the trail through enhancing the user experience for locals and visitors alike
- Inspire, delight and encourage talkability and social shareability to position the trail as a ‘must do’ accessible cycling experience to local, domestic and international audiences
- The outcomes of the project will improve the product offering of the High Country’s tourism portfolio and provide more reasons for people to visit and stay longer
Q. Who is going to maintain the assets moving forward?
A. Once the works are completed, they will become an asset of Indigo Shire Council. Within the creative brief, Agency of Sculpture has been asked to consider low maintenance solutions in their response to reduce the maintenance requirements over the life of the assets.
Q. This area has been prone to vandalism in the past, how will this project discourage such activities?
A. To improve the accessibility and safety of the precinct, Tourism North East in collaboration with our creative partners and Indigo Shire Council will be exploring lighting solutions for the main precinct and stretch of trail between Albert Road and Billson’s Street.
Q. How will the works at this site maintain the historical integrity of the Railway Precinct?
A. The historical significance of the site is one of its greatest assets. The purpose of this project is to highlight the existing buildings and their history, while improving the amenity to make the site a user-friendly space for people of all generations to enjoy.
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