Thallon’s Rogues Gallery – Painted with Pride

Tucked beneath the old rail bridge over the Moonie River, something unexpected is waiting to catch your eye (and maybe tug on your heartstrings too).

Welcome to Thallon’s Rogues Gallery, a growing collection of larger-than-life portraits splashed across concrete pylons that celebrate the real people behind this tiny but tenacious town.

Painted by renowned Aussie muralists Drapl (Travis Vinson) and The Zookeeper (Joel Fergie), the portraits are more than murals – they’re a tribute to the locals who’ve poured their lives, stories and spirit into the community. The first portrait appeared in October 2019, right in the middle of one of the worst droughts in the region’s history. And so, the Rogues Gallery was born out of a desire to lift local spirits through art.

The first face to appear? Collie, a lifelong local, talented woodworker and all-round gentle soul. The artists met him during their 2017 visit to paint Thallon’s now-famous silos. His infectious smile left a lasting impression, and they knew he needed to be part of the story.

Since then, the gallery has grown to include the following legends:

• In 2021, Pom joined the wall. He’s Collie’s best mate, a gifted photographer and the man behind the bird images on the Watering Hole Silo mural.
  
• Leanne and Stuart, added in 2023, no longer live in town but are still proudly involved in local tourism and co-own the pub with friends.
  
• That same year, Bill was added to the line-up. A farmer through and through, Bill is known as one of Thallon’s biggest characters and biggest supporters.

• Liz Spackman, who led the all-female Thallon Fire Brigade in the 1990s and has volunteered across multiple community groups, was next to join the gallery.
  
• In August 2025, Lindsay, aka “Flicky”, a proud local with a deep love for Thallon, joined the gallery. Drapl described his portrait as a tribute to the everyday legends who give so much to their communities.
  
• Next up to be added to the gallery in 2025 was Robert Johnson, aka “Billy Jack”. A true local legend, worked in the grain industry his whole life and served as an SES Control Officer for more than 25 years. That kind of dedication earned him his space.
  
• Finally, Drapl gifted us with one last Rogue in December 2025, Louise Fulwood. Louise isn’t just a local, she’s practically part of the Thallon landscape! Growing up on a farm in the district and starting out at Daymar Primary, Louise went on to shape young minds at Dirranbandi and Goondiwindi before settling in at Thallon State School where she spent the bulk of her incredible career.
  
  After more than 40 years of teaching (yes, FOUR decades!), Louise finally hung up the chalk and retired in December 2025. What a remarkable contribution to education and to generations of kids who’ll never forget her.

Each mural tells a real story, full of local pride, perseverance and personality. Families will love the colourful characters and stories behind the faces, and grey nomads can soak up the connection to country life that only small towns like Thallon can offer.

If you’re passing through, take a moment to wander down to the rail bridge. Say hello to the rogues, snap a photo and stay a little longer than planned. These portraits aren’t just painted on concrete – they’re painted from the heart.

🎨 Travel tip: Check out our 2-Day Itinerary Silos, Sunsets & Serenity for a dreamy getaway.

Check out more of Drapls art here.