Celebrating 50 years of the Adaminaby Big Trout

Published on 08 December 2023

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Adaminaby's iconic Big Trout, unveiled on 3 November 1973. A symbol of the town's rich history and reputation as a fishing destination where trout have always been the prized catch.

The idea of the Big Trout was first spawned in 1969, when Leigh Stewart, a member of the Adaminaby Lions Club, proposed a project for the town. His idea featured a large rainbow trout as the centrepiece of a picnic park, supported by a drawing by Susanne Robertson. The Club embraced the concept.

Adaminaby's Big Trout shortly after its completion in the 1970s. Image courtesy of Pam, daughter of Leigh Stewart.

Enter renowned artist Andy Lomnici, originally from Hungary and settled in Australia post-World War II. Teaming up with Leigh Stewart, Lomnici brought his creative vision to life. Andy’s daughter Helen fondly recalls the family's connection to Adaminaby ‘We used to holiday down there. Dad loved fishing and held a fondness for the area.’

A selfless and community-minded man, Lomnici’s work is an enduring contribution to the Adaminaby community. ‘Painting full time – he decided to move down to Adaminaby. Dad wanted to give back to the community, putting his hand up to do the sculpture. No charge. He didn’t have much money; he grew his own vegetables and painted a picture when he needed money. He was very generous,’ said Helen.

Utilising a frozen trout as his model, Lomnici sketched the design on the floor of the Adaminaby Bowling Club before constructing the sculpture from steel and fibreglass.

Adaminaby's Big Trout under construction, stored temporarily within the grounds of Adaminaby Pool. Image courtesy of Pam, daughter of Leigh Stewart.

The artistic process was a labour of love, as Helen describes, ‘He had the steel shape started at Anglers Reach and needed a big shed for the Big Trout. A few times, the weather would turn, and the frost would come, hitting the fibreglass on the trout head, and dad would have to peel it off and start again. It took him three months to complete the sculpture.’

For the Lomnici family, the Big Trout has served as a fond memory and reminder of Andy over the years. ‘I am very proud of my dad’s achievement. What a wonderful legacy he left behind,’ said Helen. She eagerly anticipates the 50th celebration and the unveiling of the restoration.

Leigh Stewart’s daughter Pam shared her personal and familial connection to the project, recalling the project’s constant presence in their household, ‘I have lived in Adaminaby for most of my life. My cousin Susanne, a ticket-writer – or what we call a graphic designer these days – did the original drawing of the Trout idea. This drawing was on our family dining room table for years!’  

Original artist's impression of World's Largest Trout at Adaminaby. Drawing by Susanne Robertson, image courtesy of Pam, daughter of Leigh Stewart.

‘Dad had the idea for a long time, but it all fell into place with Andy. It was constantly talked about as a family. I occasionally saw the process. Andy was such a lovely man,’ said Pam.

Shedding further light on Leigh Stewart's motivations, Pam explained, ‘He was always interested in history and had a gallery in Adaminaby, originally my grandfather's general store. Dad was interested in the history of Old Adaminaby and Snowy Hydro, and he was always creative. Trout fishing was a big part of his life. My parents were always in business in Adaminaby, and for a very long time, part of our business was a fish tackle shop providing fishing licences and tackle.’

Pam fondly recalls the bustling times, saying, ‘We would be over there from 7am at the very busy times to give out fishing licences! Customers would be milling around waiting even. The place would be so busy in those days. He never had time for fishing himself but loved to promote the area.’

‘Dad somehow came up with the idea. He thought of the largest trout jumping out of water surrounded by picnic tables, and well that's what Andy brought to life.’

‘We are so proud of our family and extremely proud of our dad. What he did with the conception with the Lions Park and the Big Trout. It was an amazing thing and a wonderful time for Adaminaby,’ said Pam.

The iconic landmark is today one of more than 150 Big Things found across Australia. Adaminaby’s Big Trout is undergoing extensive maintenance and restoration in honour of this year’s 50th anniversary, led by Australia’s foremost fine arts and heritage conservation firm, International Conservation Services.

Adaminaby's Big Trout with paint stripped during restoration in 2023.

Council is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official unveiling of the restored Big Trout at 1pm on Friday 15 December 2023.