Earlier this year, Bland Shire Council called for experienced artists to undertake the project at the Weethalle silos. They selected 38-year-old Mongolian-born muralist Heesco Khosnaran, an artist known for his social conscience and depictions of the likes of Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch. 

Heesco stuck to the proscribed theme of reflecting the local community including its historical and/or agricultural ties in a colourful painting of a shearer and grain farmer.

Around 500 people attending the Saturday opening – not bad for a town with a population of just 250, according to the 2016 Australian Bureau of Statistics census. 

Bland Shire Council said they were “thrilled with the attendance at the opening and we are already seeing a huge increase in tourism within the Weethalle community which is fantastic”.  

Drone images of the art were captured by farmerfromdownunder photography.

Heesco was unable to make to to the opening, as he’s currently working on his next project in remote Northern Territory. 

“I like work closely with local communities to bring about positive change,” Heesco told Fairfax Media. He said he also volunteers with the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre in Footscray. 

On his facebook page, he posted a “special big thank you to the community of Weethalle for your hospitality, parties, and the hangover’. 

Heesco commenced work on the 31 metre by 21 metre silo canvas two weeks ago  utilising a 24 metre telescopic boom lift which was sponsored by Paul and Jenny Northey from the Baronlonga Pastoral Company, Jemalong Wool and Quade Moncrieff Livestock and Property.

Heesco was one of nine artists from across Australia to lodge an expression of interest in the silo art project and was selected by a committee comprising Council and community representatives following an extensive short listing process.

The project had a budget of $10,000, a seemingly worthwhile investment given the number of tourists attracted. 

Bland Shire Council say the silos will stand as one of his most significant works and a genuine tourist attraction for Weethalle and the Bland Shire.

It is understood that the Weethalle Silo Art Project will be the first of its kind in New South Wales.

Silo Art projects in country Victoria continue to draw thousands of tourists and has recently been recognised in some of the world’s most popular international travel guides. 

The idea of decorating silos, which store grain, with art work is likely to continue across rural Australia.