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It was a case of third time lucky for a Sydney sculptor who has immortalised former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull in bronze in the Victorian town of Ballarat.
Mr Turnbull's bust is the latest to be added at Prime Ministers Avenue in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which hosts a collection of busts of former leaders mounted on granite pedestals.
Australia's 29th prime minister was the latest addition to the avenue and was there for the celebrations.
"'The Avenue of Prime Ministers is really a testament to our democracy," Mr Turnbull said at the unveiling on Friday.
The bust is the work of Sydney-based sculptor Linda Klarfeld, who was also commissioned for Tony Abbott's bust.
Ms Klarfield said after making three different versions, advice from her art teacher helped her capture Mr Turnbull's essence.
"My 91-year-old art teacher suggested I think about Mr Turnbull as a real person, father and husband and not just the politician or businessman," she said.
"I wanted his children and grandchildren to be able to see him in the piece and to like it."
Ms Klarfield started the bust in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, and often wondered if it would see the light of day.
"I wondered at the time if anyone would actually see the bust," Ms Klarfeld said.
Ballarat mayor Daniel Moloney said the bust was a long time coming.
"We've all been waiting with anticipation for this unveiling," Cr Moloney said.
"The Prime Ministers Avenue is an absolute highlight of Ballarat and something we truly cherish."
The City of Ballarat is compiling the design brief to secure the next artist to sculpt the bust of Scott Morrison, the 30th Prime Minister of Australia.
