Elder’s image to be removed from silos mural after child abuse material sentencing

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A regional council is working to remove the image of Indigenous elder Ronald Marks from a prominent silo mural after the 74-year-old was sentenced for possessing child abuse material.

In Horsham Magistrates Court on Wednesday, Marks was fined $7500 and will be registered as a sex offender for the next eight years.

Ronald Marks (far left) is featured on a silo art mural in Sheep Hills.

Marks’ face is a central feature in a large mural on a silo overlooking the small farming community of Sheep Hills in Victoria’s north-west. The Horsham man is known for his work as an education consultant and youth mentor who largely focused on teaching Indigenous culture.

The mural, commissioned by the Yarriambiack Shire Council in 2016 and painted by the artist Matt Adnate, depicts Marks, a Wergaia elder, alongside Wotjobaluk elder Regina Hood and two young children, Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald.

The artwork was created to celebrate Indigenous culture and the passing of knowledge from elders to the next generation. It was partially funded by the federal government and was a collaboration with the Barengi Gadjin Land Council (BGLC).

Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Tammy Smith said the council immediately recognised Marks’ image would lead to community objections and requests for its removal, confirming it had engaged government agencies and traditional owners to have the mural redesigned.

“Both Yarriambiack Shire and Barengi Gadjin Land Council representatives agree that ensuring and supporting the safety of children is of the utmost importance, and therefore the image of Marks on the Sheep Hills Silo should be removed as a matter of priority,” Smith said.

“The council has engaged with the artist who commissioned the artwork, and we are collaborating with both the artist and Barengi Gadjin Land Council representatives to begin work on the redesign of the silo art”.

Smith said the council was hopeful the redesign would commence within two weeks.

“We recognise this news is shocking for families and the community,” she said.

Adnate, the artist behind the mural, said he was devastated after learning the news about Marks.

“My artwork has always been about bringing joy and positive social change to the world,” he said.

“The Sheep Hills silo has become an iconic artwork, and we are already in discussions about changing the artwork as quickly as possible and reignite the mural into a positive beacon of healing for all.”

The Barengi Gadjin Land Council, where Marks worked as a cultural educator, was contacted for comment.

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