Inspired by the Silo Trail of western Victoria and the artistic cows of Gippsland’s Cowwarr and other towns about the country, East Gippsland is set to develop its own trail attraction a Scarecrow Trail along the Princes Highway.

“Why not scarecrows?” one of the Scarecrow Trail organisers, Audrey van den Berg, said.

“They are fun, fairly easy for most people to make and having them along the Princes Highway and other roads gives travellers something to look forward to, to see what’s around the corner. There is more to see in Far East Gippsland besides trees I love trees and the long, long road, so scarecrows will make the journey more memorable.

“Apparently there used to be scarecrows along parts of the Princes Highway and there still is one at Cabbage Tree. Bemm River Hotel had a couple outside their door and just the other day an old-timer mentioned he still had one in his back shed.

“So a scarecrow trail is nothing new it just needs a little bit of effort to have scarecrows along the Princes Highway once more to lighten the journey for travellers.”

An enthusiastic group of Orbost residents has installed some scarecrows lining Nicholson Street the main shopping thoroughfare and others say they will put one in the Sensory Garden, or not far from their front fence.

Local schools have been asked to contribute and will probably enter their scarecrows in the Orbost and District Agricultural Show before erecting them in Nicholson Street.

Members of the Orbost Men’s Shed started building a scarecrow to be made from found and thrown out objects.

The enthusiasm for scarecrows about town is mounting and anyone can get involved in this fun community installation.

“Making a scarecrow is a fun thing to do and puts a smile on the faces of those that see them,” Mrs van den Berg said.

She hopes it will help to alleviate some of the pain and anxiety that many East Gippsland residents have endured over the last few months.

“It has been a confusing time for all with consultations, forms and the endless question of when will it end, what to do next?” Mrs van den Berg said.

“The hay bales at Dinner Creek always put a smile on my face as I drive past. Congratulations to innovative farmers, who have the enterprise to stack and paint their hay bales for the enjoyment of others, and it gives them enjoyment too.

“I guess if you have hay bales that are not being used for fodder then why not stack and paint them and make other people happy? They can be used instead of a scarecrow.”

Most town residents don’t have easy access to hay bales but do possibly have some scrap in the back yard, or can go to the tip for pre-loved material. If material can be found that will not deteriorate too quickly for your scarecrow, so much the better.

“It’s just for fun,” Mrs van den Berg said.

“Silo art is just for fun, Cowwarr, Shepparton and Bombala cows are just for fun, but people remember those places. The same will go for scarecrows. People will remember East Gippsland and the long road, not only for our lovely trees (when they grow back) but also for our scarecrows, which will put a smile on their faces and relieve tension.

“Imagination and innovation for a scarecrow could be Captain Cook in a boat or maybe Mr Hicks in the crow’s nest. Lets have fun for the farmers, the residents, the children and the economy.”

For further information about East Gippsland’s Scarecrow Trail, contact Audrey van den Berg. Details at the Snowy River Mail.

IMAGE: Anyone can get involved with the fun of scarecrow making, and installing them along the Princes Highway will bring joy to everyone passing by, like this beauty at Cabbage Tree Creek. (PS)