Kelpie statue Dusty made from scrap metal to find a permanent place on York Street

The hopeful and inquisitive face of Dusty the kelpie, a 90kg metal sculpture made from scrap metal, is set to find a permanent place on Albany’s main street. Dusty, the mascot for Paperbark Merchants, was created by Tasmanian metal work artist Matt Sloane and recently arrived at his new home in Albany. Shop owner Lockie Cameron was this week pleased to announce the arrival of the life-like metal statue depicting Australia’s iconic working dog breed. Mr Cameron arranged for Danch Lee and Jake Bertola to create a base for Dusty so he could be permanently installed outside Paperbark on York Street. There are common pet names etched in the steel base in what Mr Cameron hopes will “create a connection and resonate with people”. “There’s a multiple array of pet names people can relate to; for example, Dusty was a dog of mine 15 years ago,” he said. “Hopefully he will remind others of their previous pets or working dogs.” Mr Cameron said he knew Dusty was destined for the store as soon as he laid eyes on him. “I reached out to Matt and enquired if it was something for sale, as it was up to a three-year wait locally” he said. “With the kelpie as our shop logo, I felt it was fate to have him as part of Paperbarks and give Albany residents something to enjoy as they are walking along the street in recognition of the support the community has given us in recent years.” With the Cameron family having a long farming history involving working sheep dogs, getting his hands on Dusty was a no-brainer. “The customers are in love with him, the detail is so life-like,” Mr Cameron said. Dusty is made from scrap steel, farm machinery, old garden and workshop tools and weighs in around 90kg. “There’s spanners, crescents, different tools; the more you look the more you find. He’s very intriguing,” Mr Cameron said. He said Dusty would soon be safely secured outside Paperbark Merchants for everyone to enjoy or snap a photo with.