Welcome to Winchelsea

WINCHELSEA is now home to a pair of striking sculptures which culminate a creative duo’s vision to connect the townscape to its natural assets.

Located on the Princes Highway, the two sculptures are the collaborative effort of German artist Ben Storch and renowned Victorian sculptor Matthew Harding, who tragically ended his life in 2018.

Storch continued the project following Harding’s sudden passing.

Eleven fan sculptures titled “Dawn” line Winchelsea’s eastern entrance (near Roberta’s Cottage) and one eight-metre high winged sculpture titled “Dusk” is positioned on the western entrance (near the Winchelsea SES).

Surf Coast Shire’s Winchelsea Ward councillor Heather Wellington said the art instalments – which can be lit up at night – were a key part of the Winchelsea Township Beautification Project.

“I think they bookend the town with a signature vibrancy.

“A number of Winchelsea community members were involved in assessing concepts for the sculptures and in choosing the final designs. I hope that each time they see Dusk and Dawn, they are filled with pride.”

Cr Wellington said she hoped the sculptures would encourage people travelling through Winchelsea to stop and appreciate its scenic landscape.

The Winchelsea Entrance Sculptures are a joint initiative funded by the federal government, the state government and the Surf Coast Shire.

A community celebration to launch the sculptures has been postponed.