A striking silo mural by David Lee Pereira that celebrates Merriwa's Merino heritage and its famous red-socked sheep.
Every June long weekend, Merriwa hosts the Festival of the Fleeces, which raises vital funds for the town, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and the District Volunteer Rescue Squads. Founded in 1990, the festival celebrates Merriwa’s agricultural heritage, in particular the Merino sheep and its impact on the community. The highlight each year is the ‘Running of the Sheep’ parade.
The tradition of red-socked sheep began when a sponsor who could not give money donated red socks instead. The committee put the socks on the sheep, and today the animals run down the street in red socks, a quirky and memorable part of the festivities.
The Merriwa Silos were painted by Melbourne-born artist David Lee Pereira, in his first silo mural, represented by international art management company Authority Creative. After visiting Merriwa and talking with Upper Hunter Shire Council and locals, including school children, he created an artwork that reflects the place and its people.
Completed on 23 April 2019, the silos are the 29th addition to the Australian Silo Art Trail, made possible with support from the Merriwa Tourism and Promotion Committee and GrainCorp.