When it comes to big things, Shepparton is finally on the map.
Among a long list of the nation’s giant attractions, there’s the Big Banana, the Big Prawn, the Big Merino and the Big Guitar.
Now there’s the Big Furphy.
The nine-metre-long 2.5-tonne Furphy water cart is now in place alongside the windmill outside Kialla’s Museum of Vehicle Evolution — creating an unmissable drawcard for passing traffic.
The gigantic 2.3:1 scale water cart was built by Furphy Engineering at New Dookie Rd, Shepparton, as a reminder of the family’s contribution to Australian transport history, and as a pointer to MOVE’s Furphy Museum, which showcases the history of the family businesses and their evolution through to the modern era.
J Furphy and Sons managing director Adam Furphy said the two giant ends of the water cart inscribed with the iconic “good better best” message were leftovers from a job at the Shepparton factory.
“We used them as signs for the original Furphy collection in the previous motor museum,” Mr Furphy said.
“When the new museum was built we thought it would be a great idea to build a giant water cart to stand outside the building.
“It’s another attraction that might perhaps drive people to come and get a selfie with the Big Furphy.”
MOVE’s Furphy Museum curator, Josh Powles, said the refurbished museum now featured an expanded collection of tank ends, a remodelled forge and more written content.
MOVE board chair Frank Papallo said the Big Furphy was a reflection of community support for the museum.
“The Furphys have been part of the museum since the beginning — and to do something like this is another example of their giving — which is the foundation of MOVE,” Mr Papallo said.
MOVE executive officer Peter Hill looked up at the giant water cart framed against the windmill and a clear blue sky, and said it was a perfect image for the museum.
“That’s Australia right there,” Mr Hill said.