Murrumbateman is gushing with pride over water tank artwork completed by Jimmi Buscombe

After starting the magnificent Murrumbateman Water Tank artwork project earlier last month, the incredibly talented Jimmi Buscombe completed the artwork last Wednesday. 

The artwork showcases local endangered flora and fauna, featuring the Gang Gang Cockatoo and the Golden Sun Moth in a Box Gum Grassy Woodlands setting.

From first looks post the completion of the artwork, it looks better than the digital artist’s

Murrumbateman Lions President Steve McCutcheon and Artist Jimmi Buscombe

impression, a vibrant but natural addition to the area.

The Murrumbateman Lions Club undertook the project in collaboration with the Yass Valley Council, Murrumbateman Landcare, Murrumbateman Progress Association, and Southern Tablelands Arts, and have rallied hard to make the dream a reality. 

The total cost of the project amounted to $50,000, and while the Murrumbateman Lions Club committed $10,000 to the project, having received a $10,000 grant from the Australian Lions Foundation, they called on community support in the form of a GoFundMe page.

Popular Australian regional artist Buscombe finished the project in the estimated three-week timeline that he set himself, while also documenting the process along the way with drone footage and commentary. 

“A massive thanks to all the locals who came down and visited while I was working over the past three weeks,” Jimmi said.

“Having the opportunity to connect with you all is by far my most favourite part of working on these public artworks. 

Progress photos of up-close detail of endangered Golden Sun Moth

“Big thanks of course also to the project’s working committee, the Murrumbateman Lions Club and Murrumbateman Landcare Group, as well as the Murrumbateman Country Inn for your amazing hospitality, kindness, support and many, many meals I’ve had while I’ve been in your fabulous little village. 

“One last interview tonight with ABC Canberra, and then I’ll be heading back to Warrnambool first thing tomorrow morning. 

“I’ll assemble and post more final photos of the project, as well as drone and Timelapse footage once I’ve had a long-awaited cuddle and movie night with my family (who I have missed dearly over the past three weeks) and a sleep in my own bed.”

The artwork will leave a landmark in Murrumbateman for many years to come.

Tim Warren