Big Bulls

The Big Bulls are a set of seven large statues of bulls that decorate the city of Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.[1] The set is regarded as one of Australia's big things and is intended to reinforce Rockhampton's claim to being the Beef Capital of Australia.[2][3] Initially there were two bull statues but over time others were added reaching a total of seven. Five of the bulls were created by sculptor Hugh Anderson.[4][5]

For the single bull in New South Wales, see Big Bull.

A Rockhampton big bull at 9 Gladstone Road, Allenstown (2012).

The theft of the testicles from the bulls is a common prank and they frequently have to be replaced.[6] Some residents also feel that the bull statues over-emphasise one aspect of the city and should be relocated to less prominent locations. However, there is strong public support for the retention of the bulls.[7]

Locations

The first six bull statues are located near highways and major roads and were built to be realistic depictions of breeds of cattle raised in the area; the seventh was constructed as an art work for display at the Rockhampton Art Gallery.[1] The bull statues are:[1]

Plaque listing (53 donors). In recognition of the contribution Santa Gertrudis have made to the beef industry. ::Arranged by Burnett Joyce. Opened by the mayor Ald. Jim Webber, 18 September 1985. 'Thanks to those who made it possible'
Plaque: Romagnola Breeders' Society Ltd. has given this statue of a romagnola bull to the City of Rockhampton to commemorate the World Romagnola Congress. Unveiled by His Worship the Mayor Councillor James McRae on 13th April 1997
Plaque: Rockhampton. The Beef City. This sculpture financed by (29 donors). Dedicated by the Honourable V. B. Sullivan M.L.A., Minister for Primary Industries on 16th. November 1978
Plaque: Droughtmaster Stud Breeders' Society Limited. Commemorates the Production by the University of Central Queensland of this replica of the Droughtmaster, Australia's Own Beef Cattle Breed Evolved in Queensland, unveiled by Mr Stan Jones Q.C., The Chancellor of the University of Central Queensland, On Tuesday, April 19th, 1994.
Plaque: Rockhampton. The Beef City. This sculpture financed by (40 donors). Dedicated by the Honourable V. B. Sullivan M.L.A., Minister for Primary Industries on 16th. November 1978

Other bulls

Within Rockhampton, there are other bull statues, including:

  • Stockman's Corner clothing store, 9 Gladstone Road, Allenstown. A white bull is raised above the store awning;
  • 'Lease-A-Bull', 184 Musgrave Street, Berserker. A braford bull, on top of a building awning; and
  • Korte's Resort, 984 Yaamba Road, Parkhurst. The entrance to the motel has three beige bulls together.
  • Brahman bull, Yeppen roundabout. Welcome to Rockhampton.
  • Brahman bull, Yeppen roundabout. Farewell from Rockhampton.
  • Santa Gertrudis bull, Frank Forde Park
  • Romagnola bull, O'Shanesy Park
  • Braford bull, Allenstown
  • Droughtmaster bull, Rockhampton airport
  • Brahman bull, north Rockhampton

References
  1. "Where's the Beef?". Rockhampton Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  2. Clark, David (2004). Big Things: Australia's Amazing Roadside Attractions. Penguin Books. pp. 10–13. ISBN 0-14-300200-7.
  3. Robinson, Paul; Farrow-Smith, Elloise; Saunders, Miranda (17 April 2014). "An ownership row has erupted over who holds Australia's Beef Capital title". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  4. Clark, Big Things, p. 10-13.
  5. "Where's the Beef?". Rockhampton Art Gallery. Archived from the original on 5 August 2017. Retrieved 5 August 2017.
  6. Hatzakis, Maria (22 April 2010). "Oh balls: vandals target Rocky bulls". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Commission. Retrieved 10 March 2018.
  7. Whop, Marlina (20 November 2013). "Tourism group rears up over Rockhampton bull statues". ABC News. Archived from the original on 6 August 2017. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.