23 June 2021
A mural honouring Tatura’s history and iconic water tower will be officially unveiled on Sunday.
It’s hoped the artwork will see the tower included on the Silo Art Trail and boost tourism to region.
The artwork will feature a portrait of General Sir John Monash, a renowned civil engineer who built many historical water towers in the region – many of which still stand today - and was a military commander in World War I.
A waterfall of poppies will feature on the other side of the tank in tribute to the region’s significant Anzac legacy.
The Tatura tower was designed by Monash in May 1911 for the Tatura Waterworks Trust (now Goulburn Valley Water), and construction of the 364,000 litre-capacity tower was completed in April 1912.
It’s the earliest surviving example of a reinforced concrete tower of this design to be constructed in Victoria.
Artists Cam Scale and Andrew Davis are set to finish the artwork in coming days, with $45,000 raised through government grants and community fundraising to complete the mural.
Tatura RSL Sub-Branch Mural Committee Chairman Robert Mathieson said the project had been more than three and a half years in the making.
“It will honour the history of the region and add some colour to the town’s landscape,” Mr Mathieson said.
“It will add to the town’s vitality and we hope it will draw more people to visit Tatura, and the community has been an important part of bringing the project to life.”
Michael Bennett, great-grandson of Sir John and a Member of the General Sir John Monash Foundation, said the family was incredibly proud of Monash’s life.
“I think it’s wonderful there will be a lasting tribute in Tatura to Sir John’s achievements as an engineer, soldier and nationbuilder, and that people can continue to learn about his legacy – particularly in regard to his pioneering work in prestressed concrete for water towers like these, for generations to come,” Mr Bennett said.
Signage will be installed honouring the site’s history and the life of Monash as an integral part of the town’s water supply system to provide information for visitors.
This sign will be the one of many that will provide information on the history of water treatment sites across GVW’s service area, recognising infrastructure designed by Monash and others.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Steve Capewell said it was fantastic to partner with communities to create something that will benefit the Tatura community for years to come.
“This is the second time we’ve partnered with our communities to bring a long-held vision to life with art on our water towers and tanks,” Dr Capewell said.
“It’s a wonderful outcome for the community and an important attraction that will continue to draw people to visit our region and learn more about our history.”
An official unveiling will be held at the Tatura water tower (Ross St) on Sunday 27 June at 11am.