Mt Rouse Tourist Road in Penshurst has been officially renamed Waller Road, following an approach to Council by the Friends of Napier Waller Committee in 2016.
Council resolved at its December meeting to rename Mt Rouse Tourist Road, Penshurst as Waller Road in honour of Artist Mervyn Napier Waller. Council’s proposal was approved by the Office of Geographic names and the road was gazetted as such on 23 March 2017.
Waller grew up and went to school in Penshurst before going to Melbourne in 1913 to study under famed artist, Frederick McCubbin. The loss of his arm in World War One didn't deter him from painting, and he went on to have an illustrious career, spanning more than 50 years, culminating in the magnificent mosaic dome in the Hall of Memory at the Australian War Memorial.
Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Mary-Ann Brown said the renaming was appropriate recognition of a very important former resident.
“The Friends of Napier Waller Committee requested Council consider renaming the tourist road leading to Mt Rouse to honour a man they believe to be Penshurst's most talented and famous son” Cr Brown said.
“I understand that Mervyn Napier Waller was raised on a dairy farm on the Warrnambool Road, directly opposite the turn-off to Mt Rouse, so there is some extra significance to renaming the road with that as well.
“Council feel this renaming is a fitting tribute to one of Australia’s most famous artists who we are proud to say is one of our own” Cr Brown said.