Anonymous political activists hang #keepthesheep banners on Wagin’s icon Bart the Ram in protest

Wagin’s giant ram Bart has a new look after an anonymous group of political activists hung banners on the iconic landmark protesting the Federal Government’s proposed live sheep export ban. The unknown culprits struck on the night of June 8 and hung a banner proclaiming ‘stand with our farmers’ on the side of the 30-foot ram. A second banner with ‘save rural communities’ was also hung on the fence below. The banners have remained up, which Shire president Phillip Blight said indicates community support of the #keepthesheep campaign. “That sign will wear out rather than be taken down, quite honestly, and if it wears out we might even replace it,” he said. “We are pleased to be part of the campaign. “Anything that gets the message across to tourists or regular bystanders to see and hopefully understand the sentiment.” The president said he had suspicions about who the offenders might be but could not be sure if they were Wagin locals. One thing he was sure about was that it took the activists a fair effort to hang the banner on the giant ram, which stands nine metres tall. On Friday, Wagin shire representatives presented a submission to the Inquiry into Export Control Amendment signed by 40 local governments.