One hundred and four skillfully painted wooden characters have been placed along the picturesque waterfront of Geelong

One hundred and four skillfully painted wooden characters have been placed along the picturesque waterfront of Geelong. These delightful bollards are named after the wooden posts found on ships or on wharves. (You know, the ones around which rope or cable is tied, to either anchor or tow a ship.)

Easily seen as they are quite tall, very colourful and mostly found in groups of four, the bollards depict lifesavers, a pioneer family, brass band members, bathing beauties (look out Miss World!), nuns, able sea captains and more - all with old fashioned charm.

The painting of these figures took four years by dedicated local artist, Jan Mitchell. She then became the recipient of the 1999 Victorian Community and Local History Award in the category 'Best Exhibit/Display', for her outstanding effort.