Native hens nest in Deloraine fountain

Photo by Mike Moores

Bronze native hens created by Golden Valley sculptor John Parish splash in the Deloraine fountain on Emu Bay Road.

By Sharon Webb

DELORAINE’S PREVIOUSLY unadorned fountain has been graced with a family of bronze native hens, courtesy of Meander Valley Council.

Just in time for the influx of visitors for the Tasmanian Craft Fair, the council has cleaned and repaired the fountain – then the tiny family moved onto its nest!

Golden Valley sculptor John Parish created the gleaming spindly-legged birds, mimicking the real-life native hens that can be seen cavorting along the town’s riverbank.

‘These birds say this is home; this is where we belong,’ he said.

Acting council manager Jonathan Harmey said the sculpture was funded from a budget for services in parks and reserves.

‘The function of the existing fountain top was poor and had deteriorated to a point that it needed replacement,’ Mr Harmey said.

‘Council could have pursued a standard off-the-shelf replacement, however the fountain is a feature in Emu Bay Road.

‘We thought the community would be best served by a sculptured top that complements other sculptures in Emu Bay Road and the Deloraine township.’

The fountain in Deloraine’s main street next to the library was originally established by Deloraine Rotary and is a popular place.
sharon.webb@ meandervalleygazette.com