Digital life for Linton’s painted poles

TREASURE hunt app, Geocaching has included two of Linton’s painted Sussex Street power poles in their map of locations to discover.

The pole artworks by local creative Pam Farey are part of a series of eight initial murals, some of them 22 years old, which share historical stories of the town and buildings they’re adjacent to in colourful detail.

Farey wasn’t sure anyone noticed the poles anymore, but she said the online game has given the works a new life.

“I was having a cuppa on my front veranda at Peacock Cottage Gallery and Studio when a car was hovering around the front where there is a pole with peacocks on it,” she said.

“I thought the couple were lost so l went up to the gate. They parked and came over. That is when they informed me of the digital treasure hunt game. They chose another one a few houses up also.

“These poles have been painted for over 20 years, with two of the originals removed due to wear and tear. The paint work on those remaining is just a little tired, so this game might just be the impetus to freshen them up.”

Geocaching also recognises the pole out the front of the old Royal Standard Hotel, which was originally built elsewhere, moved to Linton in the 1860s and was sold in the 1920s.

“Even the Duke of Edinburgh was entertained there on his overland trip to Ballarat. This town has some amazing history,” Farey said.

Just over the road from her home, a pole explores Bryant’s Confectionary. This store no longer exists, nor its building.

“That pole has huge lolly jars around the bottom with old fashioned lollies in them. Quite detailed work.”

Farey hopes to source an arts grant to restore the paintings.

“I did not get paid for my time when I first painted them, but some of the paints l got reimbursed for,” she said.

“l had stage four cancer…in early 2002, so pole painting ended for some time, but l’m still here painting.”