02/09/2026
Wander About Wednesday
Discover a piece of Portland’s industrial history brought to life through art with a visit to the Portland Silo Art, known as “The Foundations”.
Completed in May 2018, the Portland silos were the 20th installation added to the Australian Silo Art Trail. Renowned artist Guido van Helten transformed the old Portland Cement Works into a towering tribute to the people who helped shape the town’s industrial history.
The mural features six former Portland Cement Works employees — five men and one woman: Jack Abbott, Bert Boyling, Herb Coleman, Tommy Fitzgerald, Ernie Jeffree and Yvonne Hogan. Each portrait tells part of the story of the workers and families connected to the cement works, which played an important role in Portland’s development.
Rather than simply creating a colourful landmark, van Helten’s artwork celebrates the people behind the industry, turning the former cement silos into a remarkable outdoor gallery and a lasting tribute to Portland’s working history.
📍 Williwa Street, Portland NSW