The 32 life-sized fiberglass cows, which arrived in Fremantle from China on October 19, will be painted by artists and exhibited from March to June 2010 around the region.

Minister for Regional Development Brendon Grylls MLA and artist Len Zuks welcomed the cows in Fremantle.

Australian artist Ken Done who will paint his cow with the assistance of Channel 7 and GWN Sunrise presenter Natalie Barr in Sydney.

Further shipments of cows are expected before Christmas with the aim of achieving a 96-cow event.

AMRTA CEO Francine Errico said it was wonderful to see the event progress to the next stage.

At the end of the event cows will be auctioned off to raise money for charities and regional projects.