Mural facelift for shed

The Green Shed mural project at Warragul’s Eastern Park has been completed.

The project was made possible by a $22,599 Graffiti Prevention Grant from the state government’s Department of Justice and Regulation aimed to develop and deliver projects that help prevent local graffiti and vandalism.

Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci said it was a mix of collaboration, commitment and creativity that has transformed a former eyesore to a work of art.

“We are proud to be here today to deliver an innovative project aimed at preventing graffiti and making Eastern Park a safer place,” he said.

“It takes a real team effort to make something like this happen and we’re grateful to the Victorian government for their funding and project support.

“Eastern Park has always been a go-to for our community, whether to kick a footy or hit a cricket ball, go for walk, watch the kids have a play or to grow some vegetable in the community garden.

“It’s no secret the Green Shed, pre-makeover, was looking a bit tired and unfortunately was a target for regular graffiti and vandalism.

“Through the funding we have received, we have given the shed a new lease on life and helped educate and empower our community.

“Together with the Warragul Theatre Group , who use the shed for storage and as a working space, we have transformed this former eyesore into something we can all be really proud of.”

Cr Gauci acknowledged artist Dan Wenn from 90 Degrees who designed the mural.

Mr Wenn said prior to the project, the Green Shed had looked old, decrepid and had attracted ‘taggers’. “Hopefully it lifts the area a bit,” he said. “We’ve got an image of a young Colts footballer, as footy is big in the area.

“The girl flying the kite is a tribute to what children would typically do in a park.

“We’ve got an image of a Theatre Company play as it is their space.”

The mural also includes a wild dog, synonymous with the Warragul area, and cows to include most elements relating to the local area.

Mr Wenn said he had already received positive comments, and congratulated the young artists that took part.

“The kids took to it like ducks to water,”he said. “They’ve kept coming back since the workshop.

“They’re already showing a lot of ability, so I’m sort of letting them just do their own thing.”

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said funded projects include anti-graffiti education and diversionary initiatives, public artwork such as murals at graffiti hotspots, and community engagement activities to encourage residents to take pride in local public spaces.

“Using community input and having ten young people contributing time and artistic talent to the project, the Green shed is now a work of art, and one that everyone can be proud of,” she said.