In announcing the appointment last week, Hepburn Shire mayor Sebastian Klein said expressions of interest to create the memorial were sought in February this year.

"A selection panel made up of community representatives was brought together to review the eight submissions received," Cr Klein said.

"The panel thoroughly assessed all expressions of interest and Dr Hasell's proposal was determined to be the most appropriate design."

He said the selection criteria included relevance to concept and themes drawn from community consultation, experience in designing and creating public art, functionality, timeframe, value for money, and ability to work with stakeholders.

The artwork includes a four-metre tall ghost gum water fountain sculpture that includes an accessible drinking fountain.

The ghost gum will feature brass gum leaves and harmonic bells.

"We're delighted to have an artist of such high calibre working on a piece for our shire," Cr Klein said.

"He's completed works for a considerable number of other shires and city councils, including the tree sculpture bushfire memorial in Bendigo.

"He is also one of the artists who worked on the famed Federation bells at Birrarung Marr in inner-city Melbourne.

"It will be exciting to see what he creates for Hepburn Shire."

Dr Hasell recently met with members of the Daylesford Community Park Project Reference Group to discuss the project.

The commission for this artwork involved a community consultation process.

Funding for the project was received through the Community Recovery Fund, as supported by the Commonwealth Government of Australia and the Victorian Government.

It was provided following the bushfires in 2009, which happened on the Ballan-Daylesford Road and impacted communities in Daylesford, Leonards Hill, Bullarto, Wheatsheaf, Glenlyon, Lyonville and Trentham.