Michelle Daw, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Much-needed repairs have been completed to the acclaimed artwork on a silo at Bute.

Artist Adam Poole-Mottishaw and his assistant, Shane Cook, repaired sections including the face, hair and hands of the young girl depicted on February 18 and 19.

The repairs were paid for by Barunga West Council, after representations were made by the Bute 2000 Onwards Progress Committee.

The agenda for BWC’s monthly meeting on February 11 listed $14,000 as being allocated for the repairs.

Progress committee member Meredith Pridham said the artwork had become a popular tourist attraction for the town.

“There’s always someone looking at it,” she said.

Fellow member Greg Dermody said he was pleased with the repairs, which had needed to be done for some time.

“Bute residents are now looking forward to seeing the viewing platform completed with the installation of handrails and ramps,” he said.

The artwork claimed gold at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards, taking home the top prize for Best Rural Art and silver for Best Mega Mural.

It was painted in 2022 by artists Scott Nagy and Janne Birkener, in consultation with BWC and the progress committee.

The work is focused on women in regional areas with themes of community displayed across the mural.

Bute and district locals provided insight into their priorities for the work, with bright colours and local agriculture, flora and fauna key features.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 25 February 2025.