Community
19 March, 2025
Cows spotted at Jaycees Park
JAYCEES Park in Simpson has welcomed the addition of two new animal friends in the form of hyper-realistic cow benches to liven up the town.
As reported by Western District Newspapers in July last year, Simpson and District Community Centre received $15,000 under the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund for art in Jaycees Park.
Affectionately referred to as ‘cowches’, the new inclusions installed by Corangamite Shire Council are the start of many more to come, according to Simpson and District Community Centre coordinator Debra Smith.
“We have a kangaroo and a koala too, they need to be painted before they go in,” she said.
“We’re hoping they’ll be out in the park by the end of June.
“We’re looking to add some colour to the park and have people stop in the town for more than just a toilet stop.
“I have ideas but whether or not they come to fruition will depend on funding and resources.”
Mrs Smith said she first got the idea for the cows from people around town, then found the ‘cowches’ online and was able to submit a grant application for funding.
Other future ideas include a water feature, as well as instruments created from recycled materials.
“The park is a beautiful space and people just pass through, usually on their way to the Twelve Apostles,” Mrs Smith said.
“It would be nice for them to stop and stay a bit longer and maybe spend a couple of dollars while they’re here.”
The Tiny Towns Fund was open last year and was designed to provide grants to small regional towns to develop tourism and community projects, encouraging more visitors all across Victoria.
With a population of under 1000 people, Simpson is a growing rural community and Mrs Smith said she hopes with the further development of this project, visitors passing by will stop for a little longer to enjoy the scenery.
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