Kristy Sheridan
AS native flora and fauna has cautiously crept back to the charred trees of Kilmore East, Clonbinane and surrounding areas after the devastation of Black Saturday, an artist has created a lasting impression for the community.
The Kilmore East Recreation Reserve has commissioned chainsaw artist Ray Maclean to create a large sign for the reserve.
The sign features the motif of a quoll to represent the wildlife which has returned to the area, more than two years since Black Saturday.
Chairman of the Reserve Committee John Dixon said that the sign was made possible by a Bushfire Recovery Fund grant.
“We wanted something that would make the reserve a little bit distinctive,” John said.
Ray Maclean carved the sign out of a large cedar log he found on his property.
A spotted quoll, which Ray saw at the Mt Disappointment Reserve, provided inspiration for the sign, and symbolises hope and regeneration of the area.
As the funding for the project came from the Bushfire Recovery Fund, Ray’s idea seemed a fitting inclusion.
John said that grants had also been used to build a children’s playground and install fitness equipment at the reserve, to be open fully by the end of May.
“It’s a bit of a surprise,” he said of the money granted to Kilmore Recreation Reserve.
“But if you don’t ask, you don’t get.”
John said that the reserve is unique in that it is not a shire reserve – it is looked after by the community, for the community.
The sign not only directs everyone into the reserve – it is a sign for the future.
