30th Prime Minister unveiled along the avenue

FORMER Prime Minister Scott Morrison has become the 30th Australian leader represented by a bust statue at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens’ Prime Ministers Avenue.

Morrison and his family – wife Jenny, and daughters Lily and Abbey – visited the Gardens last week for the unveiling of the sculpture which has been created by artist Martin Moore.

Melbourne sculptor Martin Moore with his work. Photo: Evie Lamb.

“It is humbling to join this avenue of past Prime Ministers, which is designed more to honour the institution of Australia’s representative democracy, than it is any one individual, who was fortunate enough to have been given the honour to serve their country as Prime Minister,” Morrison said.

“My congratulations also to the City of Ballarat for continuing this fine tradition, and to the artist, Martin Moore, for generously improving on his subject.”

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison with sculptor Martin Moore and the bust betrween the two. Photo: Evie Lamb.

The new addition to the avenue is the first bust by Moore to be installed along the avenue. He was present for the unveiling.

Moore, a renowned Melbourne-based sculptor represented in the National Collection in Canberra, has previously created a likeness of former PM of the United Kingdom Tony Blair for satirical television hit Spitting Image.

His most recent project was sculpting a 4.7-metre long saltwater crocodile.

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison takes a selfie with the newly unveiled bust, his wife Jenny and daughters Abbey and Lily. Photo: Evie Lamb.

“To see my piece sit among so many fine works in a stunning historical outdoor gallery is incredible,” Moore said.

“I felt strongly that to be in keeping with the spirit of the Prime Ministers Avenue, the bust had to be a representation of the Scott Morrison most familiar to the general population.

“What I wanted to capture was Scott Morrison’s expression and character, something of that instantly recognisable grin.”

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison addressed guests during last Friday’s unveiling of the new bronze bust that honours his service in the nation’s top post as part of the historic Prime Ministers Avenue at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Photo: Evie Lamb.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said she was thrilled to see the 30th bust unveiled.

“The Prime Ministers Avenue is an absolute highlight of Ballarat’s outdoor gallery, and we are delighted to add another bronze sculpture to our public art collection,” she said.

“Thanks to a generous donation from B.R Carlson, to cover this bust and the next four, the Avenue will continue to evolve as Australia’s political history does.”