By Tyler Wright
A Belgrave local is looking to the community for support as she pushes for an art silo at St Thomas More Catholic Church.
93-year-old Josie Walsh has teamed up with local designer Mark Westaway to produce a proposed design for the project, including the church’s logo and a cross accompanied by mountains in the background.
“My husband died in 2021 and he’s up on the plaque on the wall. I’d like to see this done before I’m up on the wall,” Josie said.
Josie’s goal is to raise $10,000 for the works.
“I was a bit optimistic…It’s a bit more difficult than that to get because money is very tight at the moment, and I’m aware that people are finding it tough,” she said.
“It would look lovely to have it painted by an artist to brighten the whole place up.”
Josie and her late husband Leo have been a part of the community for over 68 years, supporting community organisations including St Thomas More Primary School, the Dandenong Ranges Junior Football League, the Belgrave Football Club, Belcoma Netball Club, Belgrave Scouts and St Thomas More Parish over the past five decades.
“This is something that St Thomas More parishioners, I hope, will feel as if they need to put a bit in and say that it’s their silo,” she said.
Josie said she has also received permission from Yarra Ranges Council and parishioners at the church to spearhead the initiative.
“We’ve got five different centres; Belgrave, Monbulk, Mount Dandenong, Emerald and Gembrook.”
To help bring the St Thomas More silo project to life, you can donate to the St Thomas More Parish account, with the BSB 633000 and account number 153298989.