Galga Silo Art

The Galga Silo Art was painted by artist Jarrod Loxton and was completed in April 2023.

Jarrod Loxton was enlisted to paint the Galga and Copeville silos by private owners Beverly and Trevor Heidrich.

The Silo features local soldiers and pays homage to nurses, including POW Vivian Bullwinkel. Galga is the latest addition to the trail along the old Mallee train line, with works also in Karoonda, Copeville, Waikerie and Paringa. It is the second silo painted for the couple by Jarrod Loxton and was completed in a month.

Beverly and Trever Heidrich have brought color to the town of Galga with the help of artist Jarrod Loxton. Silo art often requires months, if not years, of consultation and fundraising by the community, local government, and an external funding stream. Beverly and Trevor bypassed the bureaucracy by financing the 15-metre silo project entirely themselves.

Beverly had said "It's just our way of giving back to the community," as this is a subject close to my heart, as the big picture painted on the silo is Miss Heidrich's step-grandfather, Hurttle Murdoch "Tom" Zilm. "He fought in WWII and then spent his time educating people, and devoted his life to the military,".

Ms. Heidrich decided to pay tribute to nurses on duty, including Vivian Bullwinkel, the sole survivor of 1942 Bank Island. "Her story really tugged at my heart," she said. "I mean don't forget the little ones - the nurses, ground army, anyone who fought in any war. They all deserve recognition. " Miss Heidrich insisted that the silo art commemorate the nurses' sacrifices in war.

*Text above is from the Australian Silo Art Trail website: click here

Photos by: Judianne Halls