Australian Magpie to be commissioned in Euroa’s Seven Creeks Park

A Tank and Tobin Australian Magpie sculpture will soon adorn the banks of the Seven Creeks Park in Euroa.

Strathbogie Shire Council approved the commission at the May Ordinary Council Meeting.

The sculpture was one of five artworks that were announced as finalists, after a public expression of interest process.

“The community was then asked to help choose the artwork and we heard overwhelming support for the Magpie sculpture,” Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said.

“This piece of public art is such a wonderful story about community. It was initiated by a joint submission by the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce and the Euroa Community Action Group to Pitch My Project in the 2022/23 Budget.

“Now we will see local artists completing the work and installation.”

Artist Steve Tobin said he and fellow artist Tank were very excited to be selected.

“The Australian Magpie steel sculpture will be the biggest in Australia and we hope it’ll draw visitors from near and far,” he said.

“We hope this will be the first of many sculptures by different artists in all our towns throughout the Shire and it is just the start of some awesome art on display.

“It has been a bit of a wild ride to get here, but we’ve all learnt a lot along the way and we’re looking forward to working with Council to bring the installation together.”

Steph Swift from the Euroa Chamber of Business and Commerce congratulated Tank and Tobin for their incredible design which is going to enhance the Seven Creeks Park.

“There has already been so much appetite for public art in our area and it is fantastic to see the ball get rolling,” she said.

“We look forward on seeing how we can expand on our public art into the future.”

“We are most excited this is finally happening for Euroa and believe it will enhance our visitor and tourist experience greatly.”

Cr Binks said the project came after Strathbogie Shire Council adopted a Public Art Policy in September 2022.

“The policy provides a clear and transparent process for assessing and making decisions about the design, placement, and preservation of art in public spaces in Strathbogie Shire.

“In line with the policy and procedure, Officers will now work with the successful artists to see this project through to fruition by the end of July 2023.”

The Magpie will be located in Seven Creeks Parkland area in Euroa.