Sheep Hills Silo Art Honouring Wotjobaluk Elder
Published on 30 January 2026
Joint Media Release – Barengi Gadjin Land Council and Yarriambiack Shire Council
Sheep Hills Silo Art to Receive New Addition Honouring Wotjobaluk Elder
Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC) and Yarriambiack Shire Council are pleased to announce that a new image has been added to the iconic Sheep Hills Silo artwork, with the work commencing on 27 January 2026.
Renowned artist Adnate, who completed the GrainCorp Sheep Hills Silo Art in December 2016, has returned to the region to further refine the acclaimed mural. This follows preliminary work conducted in late 2025 to remove the image of Mr Marks.
Adnate’s original work was inspired by his close relationship with BGLC and captures the richness of Indigenous culture in northwest Victoria.
The existing artwork features Wotjobaluk Elder Aunty Regina Hood alongside young community members Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald. The night sky overlays the mural, symbolising local dreaming and honouring the sharing of knowledge, customs and wisdom between Elders and the next generation.
Adnate has returned to add the image of the late Wotjobaluk Elder William “Uncle Jack” John Kennedy (Uncle Jack).
Uncle Jack (23 March 1919 – 6 September 2005) was a respected Wotjobaluk Elder, advocate, and cultural leader. Born on the banks of the Wimmera River near Ebenezer Mission, Uncle Jack was a descendant of DickaDick, a member of the first Australian cricket team to tour England in 1867–68.
A decorated World War II serviceman, Uncle Jack served in the Syrian Campaign, North Africa and the Pacific, receiving the Australian Service Medal and the United Kingdom’s Defence Medal. His lifelong commitment to the rights of Aboriginal people saw him recognised as Male Elder of the Year at the 2003 NAIDOC Week Awards.
Following his passing, Uncle Jack’s legacy was acknowledged in the 2005 historic Native Title determination for the Wimmera region. Justice Ron Merkel noted Uncle Jack’s profound contribution, stating that his dedication demonstrated “that the tide of history has not washed away all entitlements to native title in the southeastern part of Australia.” Uncle Jack’s words, drawn from his eulogy, continue to resonate: “If we follow Bunjil’s law and look after the country then the country will look after us… I must pass on Bunjil’s law so it continues.”
The addition of Uncle Jack’s image to the Sheep Hills Silos will honour his legacy and further celebrate the ongoing cultural strength of the Wotjobaluk people.
BGLC Chairperson, Chris Harrison stated, “We would like to thank our Community, Families and staff, along with Yarriambiack Shire Council and the Artist Adnate in helping us assist to keep to the integrity of what the artwork on the Silo represents for our Community”.
Mayor Andrew McLean of Yarriambiack Shire Council expressed his gratitude to BGLC and artist Adnate for their collaboration, and conveyed his anticipation in recognising Uncle Jack through the addition to the silo art. He acknowledged Uncle Jack’s significant history, advocacy, and enduring commitment to the Wotjabaluk people.
Tammy Smith - Chief Executive Officer, Yarriambiack Shire Council
Chris Santagiuliana - Chief Financial Officer, Barengi Gadjin Land Council