The painted wombats that brightened Daylesford shopfronts last Christmas are set to return with the Daylesford Rotary Club inviting local artists to create another collection of uniquely decorated wombats.
The community art project builds on the success of last year’s initiative, which saw 30 hand-painted wooden wombats displayed in shop windows throughout the town during the Christmas period. The project celebrates Daylesford’s historic connection with the name “Wombat” and extends the “Wombat Christmas Trees” which have been a festive feature for the last several years.
There is no set theme or prescribed style. Artists are free to paint their wombat in whatever way inspires them, creating a colourful collection that reflects the diversity and creativity of the local community.
The project is a collaboration between Daylesford Rotary and the Daylesford Men’s Shed, continuing a partnership that has produced several community-focused initiatives in recent years. The Men’s Shed manufactures the timber wombats, while Rotary coordinates community participation and the Christmas display.
Last year’s display proved popular raising $5,000. Proceeds are distributed between the Rotary and the artists after administrative and manufacturing costs are covered.
Anyone interested in participating should contact Daylesford Rotary (daylesfordrotary@gmail.com). Organisers hope this year’s display will be even bigger than last year’s, with 50 blank wombats available for distribution.
