NEW RHINO DESIGNS STAMPEDE INTO DUBBO
Three newly designed and freshly painted rhino statues have been installed at the entrances to Dubbo.
The new statues, which are placed on the Newell Highway (southbound), Narromine Road and Mitchell Highway, were installed during November and feature design concepts from three local Dubbo students following a competition to generate a fresh new look for the beloved rhinos.
Mayor Mathew Dickerson said it was great to see the designs come to life and be installed at prominent points in Dubbo.
“The Dubbo Region rhinos have been a talking point for residents and visitors alike for many years now. I am happy to see the latest group of rhinos, otherwise known as a ‘crash’ of rhinos installed and looking fantastic,” Clr Dickerson said.
“Once again, I want to commend the students for their wonderful work and thank Laura for bringing their concepts to life.”
Madison Roche from Dubbo Senior Campus, Montanna McNair from Dubbo Christian School and Alayna Haque from St Johns College had their designs chosen to be featured on the rhinos, with local artist Laura Holland applying the finished artwork to the statues.
Ms Roche said she was thrilled to hear her design had been chosen and now seeing it fully realised and installed was incredible.
“When creating my design I wanted to give people a snapshot of the great places to visit when you come to Dubbo. It’s really exciting to get my art out there and tell people that I have designed a rhino that’s at the entrance to my hometown,” Ms Roche said.
The original Rhino Adventure Sculpture Trail of life-size rhinos spanning the region from Bathurst to Dubbo was created in 2014. The trail was developed in support of the Taronga Conservation Society’s Wild! Rhinos initiative, raising awareness and valuable funds for the plight of all rhino species.
Whilst several of the rhinos on the original trail are no longer promoted, the rhinos in the Dubbo Region have become a prominent feature.
Council is currently undertaking additional consultation for the rhino statue in Wellington and is gathering information from the Wellington community in regard to future plans for the statute’s replacement.
Wellington residents are encouraged to read more and submit your feedback, via the YourSay page at https://yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au/rhino-renewal-project-dubbo-region
Last Edited: 28 Nov 2023