Artist Jimmy Dvate had an unofficial army of volunteer support, ranging from people who visited on a daily basis to provide encouragement and a quick hello, to those who delivered him lunch and supplies as he worked suspended alongside the silo.
In keeping with the uniquely Rochester flavour of the project, it was On Point Picnics that supplied the setting for the final day of painting.
Jimmy, pictured with partner Amanda and daughter Luna Mae, along with Rochester’s Carmen and Kate with Piper, was available for a Q&A session on Sunday at the picnic setting.
He has been adopted into the Rochester family and there were many well-wishers who attended to offer their appreciation and support for future endeavours.
There were several key players in delivering the final product, which sits neatly among the various art offerings of the town — including murals and wood carvings.
Businesses that helped out during project included the Ampol and Willow Café, The Café Rochester, Rochester Bakery, Kits Kafe, BP and Majors IGA.
The unofficial co-ordinating committee, as is its way, preferred to point the limelight in different directions; however, there is a strong foundation to all of the success that Rochester has enjoyed since being decimated by the closing of one of its major employers, Murray Goulburn.
The factory closing has only served as a motivation for the group to look in different directions to achieve its goal of giving Rochester a point of difference in the Victorian tourist space.
