Thanks to $152,840 from the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative and tireless hours from local volunteers, the once-dreary underpass has become a tourist attraction.
The underpass provides a link between Seymour’s north and south — with the project turning what was an unsightly blank concrete canvas into a lively art display incorporating street art and lighting.
The project was spearheaded by The Seymour We Want and volunteers James Hall and Bruce Johnstone, with the finished product completed by 90 Degrees Art.
The artwork depicts the region’s best assets, including the Goulburn River and wildlife, reflects the local racing and agricultural industries, as well as paying tribute to the town’s rail and military history.
Mr Hall said the completed work was better than he could have imagined.
“We are overwhelmed by it all. It started as just trying to get the wall painted but has become something that has transformed people’s views of Seymour,” he said.
“The feedback has been extremely positive. People are loving the colour and how it depicts so many things that represent Seymour.”
Mr Johnstone said he hoped it would inspire people to take on other projects in Seymour and district.
“We had to get through a lot of red tape to make this happen but it is definitely worth it,” he said.
“If you write enough letters and tick enough boxes, anything can be achieved.
“We all need to be passionate about where we live and get more things like this done.”
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the Pick My Project initiative had helped turn a vital section of the Seymour road network into a vibrant art and lighting display.
“It’s providing residents and tourists alike with a must-see attraction as they travel through town,” Ms Symes said.
“Congratulations to the hardworking volunteers who made this a priority project for Seymour and delivered something truly special that locals can be proud about.
“The Pick My Project initiative is providing wonderful projects for communities across rural and regional Victoria — and we’re proud to help bring a splash of colour to Seymour.”