GRIFFITH’S
100 YEAR
CELEBRATIONS
SET IN STONE
VISITORS INFORMATION CENTRE
OPEN 7 DAYS
visitgriffith.com.au
P: 1800 681 141
S
even master sculptors from across the globe will
gather in Griffith, Riverina, NSW from May 2-18
this year to create beautiful stone sculptures, a lasting
legacy to Griffith’s Centenary. The largest and most
significant art project the city has ever undertaken,
this exciting event is unique in NSW as the only such
Sculpture Symposium.
The public is invited to share in this unprecedented
and history-making experience and watch the artists
cut, grind and polish as they transform three tonne
granite blocks into permanent artworks.
Each artist, a master of hard stone carving, brings
a unique style and personality to the project and
develops a work based on their interpretation of the
theme: The meaning of water in Griffith and the city’s
multicultural diversity.
Sculptors represent Spain, Germany, New Zealand,
China, The Netherlands, Australia and Italy and reflect
the origins of many thousands of people who settled in
Griffith over its 100 year history. The sculptures will be a
tribute to all who have helped shape Griffith to become
the cosmopolitan city that it is today and provide a
lasting legacy for future generations.
The sculptures will be permanently located in IOOF
Park alongside the main canal and officially launched
on Friday August 5 as part of Griffith’s 100-year
birthday weekend celebrations.
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CENTENARY EVENTS
May 2-18
INTERNATIONAL SCULPTURE SYMPOSIUM
A spectacular and unique event, witness master craftsmen transform granite blocks into beautiful pieces of
public art in 17 days. Art workshops, talks and events also taking place.
August 4-7
GRIFFITH 100 YEAR BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Street parade, raising of a time capsule, launches, heritage train, exhibitions, dinners, fireworks,
festivities and fun.
– THE WANDERER MARCH 2016 –
36
SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE – GRIFFITH, NSW
GRIFFITH A THRIVING REGIONAL CAPITAL
Griffith is the regional capital of the Western Riverina, with
a population reach of 52,000 people; it is one of Australia’s
most important food bowls and agricultural areas. The region
represents 90 percent of Australia’s rice and prunes, one in
every four glasses of Australian wine, significant wheat, canola
and corn production, the largest citrus region in Australia and
leaders in chicken production. New industries include cotton,
beer, cider and nuts.
However, Griffith wasn’t always a thriving green oasis; in
fact, in 1817, when European explorer John Oxley first set eyes
on the region he declared it as “barren desolation”.
The success of the area is largely due to the vision of Sir
Samuel McCaughey, who demonstrated the benefits of irrigation
at Yanco Station and lobbied the government for an irrigation
scheme. In 1906 the ‘Barren Jack and Murrumbidgee Canals
Construction Act’ was passed and construction commenced
on what became known as the Burrinjuck Dam. In 1911 work
began on building the canals, first with manpower and horse,
and later with the help of steam engine tractors.
Irrigation officially began at a “Turning on the Water”
ceremony on July 13, 1912 and the first farms of the
Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) were opened. News of
the land release attracted settlers from Broken Hill, Sydney,
California and a substantial Italian migrant population.
In 1916, the Town of Griffith was proclaimed, named after
the first NSW government Minister for Public Works, Sir Arthur
Griffith; the railway from Barellan also arrived that year.
Griffith, a thriving vibrant centre, is a friendly, welcoming
place to stop, unwind, explore, restock and recharge.
Conveniently located on the Kidman Way, an important
north-south touring route through inland Australia and west
of Canberra on the Burley Griffin Way, Griffith offers city
conveniences with country hospitality.
Visitgriffith.com.au
INTERESTING FACT
The MIA operates over 3500km of supply
channels and 1600km of drainage channels.
The MIA is one of the most productive
agricultural zones in Australia.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN GRIFFITH
WINE TASTING
Visit the cellar doors and experience the wonderful
wines of the region. Griffith is becoming known
for its Italian varieties – make sure you try crisp
whites Pinot Grigio and Vermentino and spicy reds
Montepulciano and Sangiovese wines – and is
home to world-class stickies.
PIONEER PARK MUSEUM
A visit to the open-air museum will uncover a
treasure trove of collections, gadgets and stories,
including the Italian Museum and Wine and
Irrigation building; several hours are needed to
really explore. Visit during May and witness the
making of the granite sculptures.
UnWINEd in
the Riverina
HERMIT’S CAVE AND LOOKOUT
The view captures the colours of the season and
farmland right across to the Cocoparra Range. A
short walk down the trail will provide an insight into
the life of Valeri Ricetti, the hermit who lived on the
escarpment and made the caves his home for more
than two decades.
Griffith alfresco
ITALIAN CAFÉS
With 60 percent of Griffith’s population claiming
Italian heritage, dining is dominated by delicious
Italian cafes; be sure to try the gnocchi, pizza
and gelato.
out
Hermit’s Cave Look
BANNA AVENUE
A magnificent tree-lined main street, home to a
vibrant shopping precinct with boutique stores,
good coffee, bakeries, barbers and beauticians.
CITY PARK
A place to stroll, climb, picnic, play or just relax,
this modern state-of-the-art park has it all, and
was rated one of the Top 10 Playgrounds by The
Daily Telegraph in 2013. It includes a children’s splash
pad area, the tallest climbing frame in the Southern
Hemisphere and free barbecue facilities.
FARM VISIT
Griffith is an important agricultural area of Australia.
A visit to nearby Catania Fruit Salad Farm will be
both interesting and tasty with more than 60 fruit
Sweetest navals in
Australia
trees and a tour around the orchard. Southern Cotton
is a modern cotton gin with cotton growing a recent
addition to the Riverina landscape; gin tours available (April to October).
REAL JUICE COMPANY CITRUS SCULPTURES
Showcasing the regions citrus industry (Australia’s biggest), more than 60 sculptures created using
100,000 oranges create a magnificent gateway to the city during the second and third week of
October every year –a must see event.
COCOPARRA NATIONAL PARK
A park just 20 minutes from Griffith, boasting great walks, beautiful views, native wildlife and lovely
picnic barbecue areas.
ALTINA WILDLIFE PARK
Fabulous safari park on the Murrumbidgee River, offering personalised and behind the scenes tours.
Meet white lions, meerkats, red pandas and capybaras, just some of the exotic collection.
– THE WANDERER MARCH 2016 –
37