Watchem’s heartfelt homage to harness racing icons

In the heart of Victoria’s Wimmera region, a remarkable piece of art stands tall, capturing the essence of Australia’s rich harness racing heritage. The Watchem Silo Art, completed in March 2022 by renowned artists Matt Adnate and Jack Roland, pays tribute to two legendary figures in the sport: Graeme Lang and Ian ‘Macca’ McCallum.

This awe-inspiring mural not only beautifies the landscape but also preserves the memory of these iconic trainers and drivers, ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come.

A canvas of memories

The transformation of Watchem’s mobile grain silos into stunning works of art is part of the broader Australian Silo Art Trail, a movement that’s breathing new life into rural communities. This particular project stands out for its focus on local sporting heroes, connecting the town’s history with its visual identity.

From grain storage to gallery

What were once utilitarian structures have now become beacons of culture and remembrance. The Watchem Silo Art, currently located on Inkerman Street (with plans to move to Hoban Street), draws visitors from far and wide, eager to witness this unique blend of rural architecture and contemporary art.

Matt Adnate and Jack Roland, two artists with distinctive styles, joined forces to create this monumental artwork. Their collaboration resulted in a piece that not only captures the likeness of Lang and McCallum but also conveys the spirit and passion of harness racing.

Honouring harness racing legends

The Watchem Silo Art pays homage to two giants of the harness racing world: Graeme Lang and Ian ‘Macca’ McCallum. Both men left an indelible mark on the sport, and their stories are now immortalised in vibrant colour for all to see.

Graeme Lang: A true champion

Graeme Lang’s journey from a Wimmera farmer’s son to a harness racing icon is nothing short of inspirational. His achievements speak volumes:

• Five-time leading Victorian state trainer
• Two-time leading Victorian state driver
• Crowned leading Australian driver in 1979/80
• 2013 Gordon Rothacker Medallist
• Inducted into the Caduceus Club’s Hall of Fame in 1998

Lang’s legacy extends beyond Australian shores. In 1985, he took his trotting champion Scotch Notch on a successful North American tour, winning 18 races out of 60 starts and showcasing Australian talent on the global stage.

Ian ‘Macca’ McCallum:

A local hero affectionately known as ‘Macca’, was a stalwart of the Mildura Trotting Club. His impressive record includes:

• 240 wins as a driver
• Six-time leading trainer award winner at Mildura
• Nine-time leading driver award winner at Mildura

McCallum’s career culminated in a poignant victory in April 2008, when he won the Homevale Stud Trotters Cup with his trotter Beleva. This emotional win would sadly be his last race, as he suffered severe injuries in an accident just days later.

The impact of silo art on rural communities

The Watchem Silo Art project is more than just a beautiful mural; it’s a catalyst for community engagement and rural tourism. Here’s how such projects benefit small towns:

1. Increased tourism: Unique attractions draw visitors from across the country
2. Economic boost: More visitors mean increased spending in local businesses
3. Community pride: Residents gain a renewed sense of identity and connection to their town’s history
4. Cultural preservation: Important stories and figures are remembered and celebrated
5. Educational value: Visitors learn about local history and the art of silo painting

Conclusion

The Watchem Silo Art stands as a testament to the power of public art in preserving history, honoring local heroes, and revitalizing rural communities. This stunning tribute to Graeme Lang and Ian ‘Macca’ McCallum not only celebrates their contributions to harness racing but also adds a unique landmark to Victoria’s cultural landscape.

As visitors stand before these towering masterpieces, they’re reminded of the enduring spirit of rural Australia and the legends who have shaped its sporting heritage. The Watchem Silo Art invites us all to pause, reflect, and appreciate the rich stories that make up the fabric of our communities.