An eight metre high tree sculpture, located across the railway line from the Armatree Hotel, has joined the list of the biggest things in NSW.  

The 'Big ArmaTree', is designed by Gilgandra resident Margaret Windeyer who says her inspiration draws on the local residents' connections to home and aims represents Armatree as an active and vibrant community.  

"As the tree puts down roots that hold it in place, so have the people who has chosen Armatree and the surrounding district as their home. The trunk represented the strength of a small, yet thriving community who work together and the spread of the branches allows for individuality. The canopy, with its patterns on the leaves, represented how nothing stays the same in a unique community where every person has a place".  

Margaret says that the creative process for designing the sculpture was as straightforward as it can be.  

"I wanted to make sure it truly represented the Armatree community. I had to make sure the design of the tree was realistic in style and appealing to the public eye.' 

"I made three solid designs overall. I made them into miniature models with corrugated cardboard to get a feel of what it would look like. Obviously, making a miniature statue is completely different from an eight metre high one, but it did the job," Margaret laughed.  

"The Big ArmaTree is made from COR-TEN steel, which is a steel that will naturally change to a rustic colour over a period of time. It is a beautiful weathering steel and perfect for the design I was going for".  

The Big ArmaTree is part of an beautified park precinct. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

"The final design selected featured the shadows from the tree leaves, I love that the sculpture casts the lovely dapple effect onto the ground".  

Margaret made sure to consider the continually changing weather conditions that locals face year in and year out. 

"The biggest difficulty I faced was making sure the design of the tree on paper would reflect to the physical conditions of the rural town. It had to be sturdy enough to last in our varying weather conditions," she said. 

The project was jointly funded from local, state and federal government sources and also involved an allocation for new history boards at Armatree Memorial Park reflecting the history of the village and its involvement with military service. 

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders visited Armatree with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton to open the artwork on Thursday, 27 September. 

“There are a lot of tourists who make their way across the state getting photos of the unique ‘Big Things’ we have, and I believe this will bring people to not only Armatree but other parts of Western NSW," said Mr Saunders.  

Nationals candidate for Barwon Annette Turner, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, NSW Minister for Western NSW Dugald Saunders, artist Margaret Windeyer and Gilgandra Shire Council deputy mayor Ash Walker at the Big ArmaTree.

“I have no doubt that this will become a popular destination for tourists," Mr Coulton said.  “This funding has helped beautify the area, connecting all elements of the precinct together through pathways, landscaping, lighting and signage boards."

“The footpaths and wayfinding signage has created a circuit for visitors to engage with and learn about the village and district’s history, while the landscaping and lighting enhances safety and the overall look of the precinct. 

Gilgandra Shire Council Mayor Doug Batten is hopeful that the 'Big ArmaTree' will not only bring people to town, but make them want to stay within the region.  

“The 'Big ArmaTree' provides a key piece to Armatree's tourism puzzle. They draw people into town and encourage them to spend longer in the region," he said. “The history boards detail Armatree's past, including the soldier settler program and agricultural connection, but they also show in detail how the village has grown and developed.."

Margaret admits that the Big Armatree is "probably on the scale of things, not as big as the Big Banana, the Big Merino or the Big Trout, but it is the perfect size to represent Armatree as a small village".