TANK & tOBIN

Steve and Tank, the two boys from the bush behind Tank and Tobin Sculpture Works in Longwood, have turned their passion for metalwork and wildlife into something far bigger than art. Their handcrafted bird sculptures aren’t just striking pieces of rural creativity — they’re conversation starters about an issue that hits close to home: men’s mental health in the bush. Research shows that while the prevalence of mental illness in rural and remote Australia is similar to that of major cities, access to mental health services is far more limited, and rates of self‑harm and suicide increase with remoteness. Rural life brings unique pressures, from economic uncertainty to natural disasters, and these challenges can weigh heavily on men who often feel expected to “tough it out”

Recognising this, Steve and Tank have opened the doors of their Longwood workshop to the community. Their open days have become a regular gathering point for groups like the Men’s Shed, car clubs, and Rotary Clubs — organisations that play a vital role in fostering connection and reducing isolation among men. Visitors wander through the workshop, watch the boys at work, and share stories over a cuppa. Steve and Tank are also frequently invited as guest speakers at these clubs, using their platform to spark honest conversations about mental health, resilience, and the power of creativity.

Birdwatching — the inspiration behind many of their sculptures — is itself a proven mental health booster. Spending time observing birds encourages mindfulness, reduces stress, and strengthens a sense of connection to nature. For rural men who may feel the weight of isolation, even small moments of quiet observation can offer grounding and relief. Tank and Tobin Sculpture Works understand this deeply. By blending art, birdwatching, and the simple pleasure of a day out in the country, they create experiences that support wellbeing in ways that feel natural, accessible, and culturally familiar.

In their own down‑to‑earth way, Steve and Tank are showing that mental health support doesn’t always look like a clinic or a hotline. Sometimes it looks like a shed full of sparks and steel, a mob of curious visitors, a pair of blokes willing to talk, and a flock of metal birds reminding everyone to look up.