Pioneer Memorial Fountain
“The fountain was dedicated on the 12th August 1964, to the memory of those people who explored, pioneered and developed the Birchip district, and to symbolise the important contribution that water and power made to this development.”
The bronze and tiled concrete fountain, built as a memorial to the pioneers of this district, was designed to display – through the medium of sculpture – Water, which is the lifeblood of the Mallee and Wimmera.
The central bronze family groups and basin stand about six feet high, and symbolise the efforts of the pioneers to rise above their environment. The family figures are the ones of aspiration as they climb upwards on the bronze shaft, aided by jets of water. The top-most free form basins are modelled with struggling figures, whilst the large basin is an activator, with water spilling over to make a pleasant sight and sound in the heat of summer.
The entire project was financed by voluntary subscriptions from the public. These generous donors wished to erect a memorial to the pioneers who developed the district, and also to symbolise the essential part that water played in this development.
On the wall by the fountain, the sculptor, Ian Bow, has created a cast-bronze plaque, containing the words of dedication of Cr. A. D. Hillgrove.
Read the Souvenir Programme from the Unveiling & Dedication of Pioneer Memorial Fountain