Several public artworks located in the Walgett shire have been recognised as some of the best public art experiences in the country.

The three works - the Walgett Water Tower Mural by Jenny McCracken as well as Lightning Ridge artist John Muray's '2 Kook 4 Skool' mural and 'Stanley the Big Bird' sculpture have been shortlisted in the 2021 Australian Street Art Awards in the 'Best Mega Mural', 'Best External Mural and Best Landmark Sculpture categories.

Australian Street Art Awards Director Liz Rivers said the awards were created to recognise destinations like the Walgett shire that are using outdoor art to attract visitors, boost their economy and engage their community.

"The Awards inform travellers about the magnificent array of publicly-accessible art that can be found in every corner of the country and the communities that have invested in these attractions because they’re keen to welcome visitors,” Ms Rivers said.

“Being shortlisted in the Awards further cements Walgett shire’s reputation as an aspirational destination for everyone who loves to discover visually stunning experiences."

For dual finalist John Murray, this is the first time he has entered in the awards, himself nominating his Lightning Ridge mural and Walgett Shire Council nominating his 18m tall 'Stanley' sculpture, which is located at the entrance to the town.

He said both pieces resonate strongly with him and his close relationship with the Lightning Ridge community.

"(Getting Stanley together) was a community effort - all the materials were donated. I built it myself and I had a local welder come in to do some welding for me," Mr Murray said.

"His legs are actually built from materials from the old Dubbo Police Station - the sergeant there at the time Stan Single helped me get them and that's why the bird's called Stanley.

The 18m tall 'Stanley the Big Bird' sculpture by John Murray serves as the unofficial landmark to the entrance to Lightning Ridge. Image courtesy of Walgett Shire Council.

"When I finished it, we actually closed off the highway and had a whole town celebration for the opening night with a local young indigenous dance group, a barbecue, drinks and fireworks."

He said there was also a story behind his 2 Kool 4 Skool mural, which several local community members had a personal hand in creating.

"When I was painting it, I asked some of the local kids to give me a hand - it gives them a lift and sense of ownership," he said.

"One little kid actually wanted to put his handprint on there and, while I stopped him at first, I thought about it overnight and told him to go ahead the next day.

"With the power of Facebook by end of that day, we had 400 handprints on that wall - it became a real signature for the town which is exactly what the street art awards are for."

Meanwhile, the Jimmy Little Water Tower Mural in Walgett, based on a photograph by John Elliot and brought to life by Jenny McCracken will ensure the musician legend's legacy lives on.

The background has been designed by local Gamileroi artist Frank Wright and identifies Walgett, the rivers and local totems of the sand goanna, dragonfly and emu.

The Walgett Water Tower mural depicts indigenous musician Jimmy Little and now looks over the town's new PCYC building, which the local council deems fitting seeing as he did a lot for the youth and young children of the Walgett shire. Image courtesy of Walgett Shire Council.

When asked for his thoughts on the awards, Mr Murray said he was flattered to have been nominated in the first place and hoped to see them bring further recognition to the area he calls home.

"To see both these (works) recognised, I'm pleased and deeply honoured because I just do it for the love of the town, the kids and my work as an artist - it's just what I do," he said.

As for Walgett Shire Council General Manager Michael Urquhart, he said he was excited for the tourism opportunities if any of the works, like the council-funded water tower mural - end up receiving their respective award.

"Council is very excited with the possibility of winning - the recognition will mean a lot to council in terms of tourism and future street art," Mr Urquhart said.

"We actually have another street art program we have approval for in the Walgett main street which will be another one to add to the bow."

The award winners were originally going to be announced at an official celebration at the Art of Attraction Tourism Summit in Queensland next month, however this event has recently been postponed.

According to Ms Rivers, the full list of 2021 winners will instead be released through a number of online channels on Friday 4 March.