From Tatooine to Bendigo

THE man behind Eaglehawk Garden Sculptures has just created something right off the silver screen, literally.

Stephen Brown has recently finished construction on a replica of Luke Skywalker’s T-65 X-wing starfighter from the original 1977 film Star Wars.

Brown already has a vast collection of large metal garden sculptures decorating the corner of Loddon Valley Highway and Lethesbys Road property in Sailors Gully, which the X-wing will join.

He said he has dreams of creating an immersive experience for passers-by to enjoy his work.

“My intention is over the next two years to fill the yard up with relics from different movie sets,” Brown said.

“I’m thinking about doing the Titanic next, maybe Optimus Prime from Transformers. I’m aiming to have about 10 to 15 pieces over the next two years.

“I just want to make it a tourist attraction for Bendigo, something positive.”

Brown said his creations are not cheap, but they are heavy, with the X-wing weighing about 1.5 tonnes and is 2.5 metres long and 8.2 metres wide.

It took four weeks of part-time effort to create while also working a paid job.

“If I wasn’t driving, I probably would have done it in two weeks,” said Brown. “I do a couple of things at once, it’s keeps me busy.”

Along with the Star Wars-inspired creation, Brown’s current sculpture collection also includes the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a giant sunflower windmill, and commemorative Anzac pieces.

In two years’ time, he hopes people will be able to take a tour around what will essentially be a sculpture park.