Wimmera Mallee residents will be able to see Rainbow's Small Town Transformation in action on Saturday at the official project launch.

Over the past year scores of Rainbow district volunteers have worked tirelessly to transform the former primary school site into a community asset as part of the Small Town Transformations Project.

Project Manager Adelle Rohrsheim said that before the Oasis project began Rainbow's large school site had sat empty for several years after being closed when Rainbow P-12 was opened.

"We have a huge block and an amazing school building, parts of which date back more than a century.

"Since work began in earnest at the start of the year we have designed our low water garden, developed a large percentage of it and painted the outside of the school.

"Internal painting is well underway, as well as relining some walls and adding a stage to one of the classrooms," she said.

"It really has been an amazing transformation and all due to the hard work of our committee and many volunteer community members.


Llew Schilling working in the Oasis Rainbow garden. Photo contributed.

"As well as this we have held workshops in propagating plants, light painting, projections, environmental art, weaving and sculpture production."

Features of the garden include a human-made Malleefowl nest, a replica of Lake Albacutya and a giant statue depicting eagles. Giant palms, which are an iconic Rainbow plant, are still to be added, along with an outdoor sound shell to host live performances.

"This Saturday we are will officially launch the project and provide a chance for people to see the fantastic work that has been achieved in such a short time," Adelle said.

The festivities start from 4pm and will follow another series of open gardens also being held in Rainbow on the day by the Yurunga Homestead committee.

Sunday will also involve further activities and an exhibition and book launch of work which has been completed as part of the project.

"I urge everyone to make the trip to Rainbow on Saturday to see ours, and other local gardens and to see the transformation so far in this exciting project."

For more information call Adelle on 0431 820 493 or email oasis-rainbow@hotmail.com

Small Town Transformations is a Victorian Government initiative, managed by Regional Arts Victoria.

Photos contributed by Oasis Rainbow.