The official opening of the ‘Clarkie” statue in Ganmain was held last Saturday in conjunction with the Ganmain Historical Museum’s open day.

Renowned artist Andrew Whitehead designed and constructed the statue, which is named after Ganmain identity the late Kelvin ‘Clarkie’ Clarke as a tribute to the farmers and farm labourers who worked in Ganmain’s sheath hay industry.

The project was funded by Coolamon Shire Council.

The ceremony, hosted by the Advance Ganmain Committee, heard from Tom Carroll, a Coleman Medal Winner with Carlton in the VFL and close friend of Clarkie.

Guy Purcell, President of AGC provided an informative perspective on Clarkie’s life and the sheath hay industry in the Ganmain District.

Artist Andrew Whitehead provided an insight into how the statue was constructed and thanked the Ganmain community for their support and guidance in bringing the statue to life.

Special mention was made of the assistance provided by Howard Holgate and Mick Quinn among others.

‘Clarkie’ now joins ‘Running Man’ at Ardlethan which depicts Frank Bradley who won the Stawell Gift foot sprint race in 1937 and ‘For Keeps’ in Cowabbie Street,Coolamon, which portrays a family friendly town in a theme reminiscent of a Darcy Doyle painting reminding the visitor of a simpler time and a game of marbles.

Coolamon Mayor Cr David McCann said Coolamon Shire Council planned to continue to commission works by Andrew Whitehead for all towns and villages and in so doing, aims to support tourism and visitation in each community in the shire.

The ‘sheaf pitcher’ sculpture was officially opened by Coolamon Mayor David McCann and General Manager Tony Donoghue.

Special thanks to locals Mick , Howard and Geoff for practical and expert advice on the hay industry norms and Coolamon Shire employees Daniel and Rod for helping with the installation.

David St Leon of Creative Metals created the many UV stabilized wheat grain heads on his 3D printer.

‘Clarkies’ great niece Jodie Wild attended the opening and represented her family. 

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in Narrandera Argus, 27 March 2025.