Council & Business
25 June, 2026
Public art to be replaced
Pyrenees Shire Council are inviting proposals for a new public art installation replacing the former wine barrel display in Avoca.
The project will be located at the intersection of the Pyrenees and Sunraysia Highways, replacing the once locally iconic display.
The wine barrels were removed in 2023 due to safety concerns.
Pyrenees Shire Council said they were beginning to “fall apart” with one of the barrels on a lean.
When the announcement was made there were no current plans to replace them.
However, three years on, council are inviting expressions of interest (EOI) from all artists interested in creating a new artwork for the township.
Pyrenees Shire Council deputy mayor Rebecca Wardlaw said the project was an opportunity to celebrate Avoca’s creative and wine-focused reputation.
“We want to create a memorable and inviting gateway at the Pyrenees Highway and Sunraysia Highway intersection that encourages visitors to stop, explore and spend time in Avoca,” she said.
The opportunity is open to individual artists or artist collectives; community groups, schools and not-for-profit organi-sations; and partnerships between artists and organisations.
“This is a unique opportunity to leave a lasting creative legacy and help shape the visual identity of Avoca. Council encourages artists and community collaborators to get involved and bring forward bold, innovative ideas that will welcome visitors and be celebrated by the community for years to come,” Cr Wardlaw said.
According to council, following the EOI process, a panel will shortlist two artists or teams to progress to the concept development stage.
They will be allocated $750 to submit a written detailed plan, project budget, timeline and design and 3D model of their proposed artwork.
The designs will then be submitted to a community vote prior to the successful artist being awarded.
There is $33,500 available for the final artwork funded by the Victorian Government’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions through the Tiny Towns Fund.
Those interested in further information, or taking part, can submit their EOI via pyrenees.vic.gov.au/engage