The name G J Coles is so synonymous with St James perhaps his second christian name should be St James according to his grandson Donald Coles.
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“He is known to all Australians as Sir George James Coles. A person of great bravery, generosity and leadership,” Donald told the big crowd at the official opening of the silo art painted on the town’s four silos last Sunday.
“In recognition of the contribution that the St James community made to his upbringing I think we should refer to him as ‘Sir George St James Coles’!
“One of Sir George’s best known sayings is: ‘The only life worth living is a working life.’ The murals on these silos are a perfect representation of a working life in this town and the working life of George’s family. It is a great tribute.”
GrainCorp Site Manager at Dookie GrainCorp Silos Brendon Doig officially declared open the art work and the youngest daughter of Sir George Coles, 89-year-old Jan Barry, cut the ribbon to formalise the opening.
Mrs Barry expressed her thanks to everyone involved in the silo art, spoke briefly about her late father then described the art work.
“He was a fantastic father and made sure we all had jobs and were educated in that way. He taught us lots of very interesting things,” she said. “This silo art work is just amazing.”
The town’s population of about 90 people soared to an estimated 700 last Sunday to hear St James Silo Art Committee President Jim Kelly welcome the large crowd and explain the background to the project.
Mr Kelly expressed a big thank you to committee members Kathy Beattie, Doug James, Greg Murphy and Steven Murphy for their contributions, and gave special mention to secretary Kathy.
“When we needed financial help to refurbish our hall, the Coles business came to the party. Kathy Beattie was the main reason that happened,” the president said.
“Then, using her contacts once again, Coles once more made a considerable donation to this project.”
Huge applause greeted Kathy as she took to the microphone last Sunday. “Thanks to the Coles family for the very generous donation of $20,000 towards the overall silo art,” she said.
“George Coles senior helped raise the money for the St James Hall which opened in 1910, co-incidentally the same year his son G J bought his first business (in St James). We celebrated that centenary anniversary together in 2010.
“G J Coles was generous to us in his day, with support also for the Recreation Reserve, the St James Bowls Club and St James Golf Club.
“It is so pleasing to see so many of the Coles family here today. It’s a bit of a reunion.”
Regional Manager of Coles based at Wodonga Stuart Porter said he was struck by the local community’s energy and drive.
“On behalf of Coles, sincere congratulations,” he said. “We’d also like to congratulate Tim Bowtell for the magnificent art work. I’m so pleased to hear that it’s already attracting droves of visitors to town.
“At Coles, we are so proud of our 105-year history and we are thrilled to think G J Coles made his foray into retailing right here at St James at the dawn of the 20th century.”
Artist/graphic designer Tim took 30 days, from April 18 to May 12, to complete the four silos. “The first three took eight days each and the last one 15 days. There was preparation painting,” the 51-year-old from St Samaria near Benalla told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “I’m very satisfied with the result.”
Numerous expressions of appreciation were conveyed by the committee secretary, including her team of workers, Damien and Debbie Kelly who erected the GrainCorp fence for Moira Shire then donated the money to the silo art, Greg McKenzie and Wendy who donated the timber for the viewing area, GrainCorp, Coles, especially head of Coles Community Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Affairs Julia Balderstone, Moira Shire Council staff and to everyone who donated money “big or small”.
Singling out Tim Bowtell, Kathy said: “Tim, you surpassed our expectations. Your talent is up there for all to see.
“Every day I would come into St James and see these beautiful paintings come to life and see the joy on people’s faces. It’s absolutely marvellous.”
Speaking on behalf of Moira Shire Council, Cr Peter Lawless said the silo art work was “a terrific result for the community”. Following the official opening, attendees congregated in the St James Hall for cup of tea or coffee, and plenty of delicious food so well prepared and served by the ladies.
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