Victor Szwed
A mob of wombats, collectively known as a “Wisdom of Wombats” will be invading Daylesford in late November. Word has it that around 25 to 30 Wombats will move into shops and businesses in Vincent Street, Howe Street and Albert Street.
A joint project between Daylesford Rotary, Daylesford Men’s Shed and local artists, the wombats will complement the Wombat Christmas Trees which are installed each year along the footpaths in the business district by the Men’s Shed and Rotary with generous support from the Daylesford District Community Bank and Hepburn Shire Council.
The Daylesford Men’s Shed has been refurbishing the 23 existing Christmas trees and constructing 10 additional trees as businesses in Howe Street and Albert Street had been asking to be included.
An additional 560 small wombats have been cut out by the Men’s Shed and are being painted by students from six local schools and three kindergartens to create a total of some 1,353 wombat decorating the 33 trees. Schools involved in the project include Daylesford Primary, Hepburn Primary, Dharma School, Yandoit Primary, Bullarto Primary and St Michael’ Primary. Kindergartens include Daylesford Community Child Care, Daylesford Preschool and Hepburn kindergarten.
Local Artists are being invited to paint the larger wombats. The feature image is of a large wombat painted by well-known local artist, Brian Nash. Businesses will be approached to host a wombat in their shop window. This will reinforce the celebrations of the Festive Season and the history of Daylesford which was known as Wombat and Wombat Flat in the mid 1800s. The larger wombats will be between 70 to76cm wide by 50 to 54cm high.
Locals and visitors will be able to scan a QR code to read more about the project, artists and sponsors. They will also be able to make bids to purchase the wombats. The funds raised will be shared one-third each to the relevant artist, Men’s Shed and Rotary.
Daylesford Rotary raises funds to support many community projects. Over the past year Rotary has donated around $29,000 mostly to local causes as well as some overseas causes. Recently, $1,500 was provided to the Daylesford New Years Eve Parade and Gala and $220 to a local student to participate in a Science Experience program at RMIT.
Daylesford Rotary has been strengthening how it operates in partnerships, such as with the Daylesford District Community Bank which supports many local groups and causes. The Daylesford Men’s Shed and Hepburn Shire Council also form important links which strengthen the success of working together.
Artists who would like to offer to paint a wombat can contact Victor Szwed on vszwed@y7mail.com
Victor Szwed is a local resident and a member of Daylesford Rotary.
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