Dr Vera sculpture precinct unites Linton

Artistic touch: Linton Primary School students Scarlett and Campbell, and their peers, decorated tiles to brighten the Dr Vera precinct with support from Smythesdale ceramicist Barry Wemyss. Photos: EDWINA WILLIAMS

AN event to thank all those involved in establishing the Dr Vera Scantlebury sculpture precinct at Linton’s Avenue of Honour will be held today.

To be hosted by Linton Primary School students at 12.30pm around the statue, senior teacher Daniel Vagg said it’s all about bringing locals together and celebrating their collective efforts.

“It was the Golden Plains Shire’s idea to have a community event, and having a sausage sizzle and some sweet treats is our way of doing that,” he said.

“Students have learned about Dr Vera in the classroom, and the sculpture has been a platform for leadership opportunities, to empower the kids to bring the community together, to organise the event, and increase our reach.

“We have reached out to the craft group, CFA, historical society, men’s shed, et cetera. We are a small community but a tight knit community with all walks of life.”

Linton and District Men’s Shed members will be on the barbecue, with small Linton business Clare Bear Sweets to provide treats.

Lucy McEachern’s sculpture of Linton-born Dr Vera Scantlebury was funded as part of the State Government’s Victorian Women’s Public Art program.

As part of their school work, Saxon, Liam, Campbell, Jamelia, Abigail, and Scarlett have been learning about Dr Vera Scantlebury.

Men’s Shed secretary Daryll Lees said its members were invited to create seating for the area.

“It was slightly challenging because of the historic aspect of the installation,” he said.

“We searched around and found some Red Gum slabs that looked promising, brought them to the shed and proceeded to work on it.

“With a two part epoxy finish, the red gum seats will last for many years. We are very happy with the way the whole project came together and that we could be a part of it.”

Linton Primary School students worked with Smythesdale ceramicist Barry Wemyss and Wadawurrung woman Bonnie Chew to create tiles themed around native plants and animals, which have been installed beside the statue.

Born in 1889, Dr Scantlebury was a surgeon during World War One and became the first director of infant welfare for the Victorian Department of Public Health in 1926, where she established the infant welfare scheme.

The event has been funded by the Golden Plains Shire.