The Lang Lang community, alongside Council representatives gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a new art sculpture that honours the town's proud rodeo heritage.
The Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup-Lang Lang initiated the idea of this sculpture to celebrate the town's identity and rodeo heritage, attract visitors, and foster community pride.
Located off McDonalds Track outside of the Lang Lang Showgrounds, the sculpture features three galloping horses mimicking the movements seen in rodeo, a bronc, a barrel racer and a roping horse. Adam Humphreys, the appointed artist behind the work used up to 1km of steel to bring the vision to life.
Local community members including representatives from Lang Lang Show Society, Lang Lang Rotary, the Lang Lang District Business & Community Group, senior citizens and students from Lang Lang Primary School attended a community launch event at the Showgrounds on Wednesday 27 August, to officially unveil the sculptures.
Speaking at the unveiling event, Cardinia Shire Council Deputy Mayor, Cr Alanna Pomeroy said "It's a pleasure to celebrate the completion of this project, which beautifully showcases our community's deep passion for horses."
She also acknowledged the community's involvement and patience throughout the process.
"I want to thank everyone who participated in the engagement discussions that has contributed to the development of this sculpture. I hope this incredible artwork stands as a fitting tribute to the long-running Lang Lang Rodeo."
Westernport Ward Councillor, Cr Trudi Paton also attended the event as MC and shared her reflections.
"Adam's work captures the spirit and legacy of Lang Lang's longstanding cultural identity and its strong connection to horse riding and rodeo and we're really pleased to celebrate its completion.
"It's a piece that will draw tourism and something for locals to be proud of, well into the future" she says.
The Lang Lang Public Art Project has been completed with funding support from the Victorian Government's Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund and Cardinia Shire Council.
