Uardry Shilling Ram takes pride of place in Merino Plaza

Apr 6

The Shilling Ram, which has become one of Hay’s best known products, has been immortalised in what has become a Merino Plaza in front of the Post Office, Lands Office, Council Chambers and the Commonwealth Bank in Lachlan Street.

The Shilling Ram was the grand champion Merino ram at the 37th Annual Sydney Sheep Show in 1932 in which 366 Merino sheep were exhibited.

Uardry 0.1 won his class (under three years old) and went on to be judged the champion strong wool ram and ultimately the grand champion. The Sydney Mail (29 June 1932) reported “this was generally acknowledged to be one of the most magnificent Merinos ever seen in Sydney”.

So correct was the head and horn placement on 0.1 that six years later in 1938, this famous Merino’s effigy was immortalised on the reverse of the Australian one-shilling coin, a place of honour held until decimal currency was introduced in 1966.

Uardry 0.1 was pictured again on the obverse of the 50 cent coin in 1991 commemorating the 25th anniversary of decimal currency.

Hay artist, Libby Baldwin was commissioned by Hay Shire Council to create the magnificent sculpture (pictured above with General Manager, David Webb).

Further sheep sculptures are planned for Merino Plaza and according to Mr Webb some of these will be ‘climbable children-friendly’ art.