THE VERJ
Delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s Small Town Transformations Initiative
The Verj aimed to bring cultural, social, and economic benefits to the town through bold, community-driven design.
At its core, The Verj was about connection—between people, place, and creativity. The transformed site became a vibrant meeting point, featuring sculptural elements, interactive installations and playful surprises, including “The Thing,” a large, pedal-powered kinetic sculpture embedded with hidden projection technology. The project also celebrated Natimuk’s agricultural and Indigenous heritage through the use of reclaimed farm machinery in kinetic artworks that responded to human movement.
Community involvement was central to the project’s development. A dedicated local advisory group helped guide the vision and design, ensuring the final outcome reflected Natimuk’s unique identity and the values of its residents. Designed to be inclusive, social, and surprising, The Verj captured the essence of Natimuk’s artistic spirit and offered a new kind of shared public space—one that continues to inspire connection, curiosity and creativity.
