RESIDENTS RALLY TO SAVE LANDMARK
PEOPLE power in the small Wimmera town of Nhill has helped save the area’s most recognisable landmark.
The town, located halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide, has united to raise $60,000 to safeguard the future of its towering 102-year-old silo.
Nhill Silo Heritage Project president Peter Deperouzel said “when you tell people you’re from Nhill they say, oh yeah, you got that big silo’. It is Nhill.”
Now residents are looking for options to turn the superstructure into a tourist attraction – and it not be covered in art like so many other silos.
The community was concerned last year when it learnt the silo would be put up for sale. Fearing that potential new owners might destroy the building, the town decided to raise enough money to buy it themselves.
Mr Deperouzel said the silo was at the heart of the town’s identity.
“It is the town. It was built in 1919, so for all of us, it’s always been there and it’s right in the middle of town, people drive past it and see it every day,” he said.
“Over time people have realised that when some of the older buildings get knocked down, well, once they’re gone they’re gone.”