Infusing colour and vibrancy into Wardell

If you've taken a stroll through Wardell recently, you may have noticed a delightful transformation – a vibrant new mural now gracing the parklet on the main street.

This artistic endeavour emerged as one of three smaller community activation sub-projects as part of the Wardell Village Centre Revitalisation. Facilitated by Wardell Public School and Wardell's Community Organised Resilience Effort (Wardell CORE), the mural took shape under the skilled guidance and direction of Iluka-based artist, Lisa Schoeppe.

During the July school holidays, children and youths from Wardell, Empire Vale, Cabbage Tree Island, and neighbouring areas were invited to participate in a mural painting workshop hosted at Wardell CORE.

Over two days of creative exploration and painting, these young artists breathed life into the mural under Lisa’s guidance. Local kids who were unable to attend the workshop were also encouraged to participate, receiving bird and fish cut-outs to paint at home and these were integrated into the mural.

The original idea for the mural was conceived at a recent community design charette, where local residents collaborated in extensive discussions on where to allocate funding for the Wardell Revitalisation Project.

Among the attendees were Stella Barnes and Lydia Krampe – two local youths whose fresh perspectives were enthusiastically received. Stella and Lydia emphasised the lack of vibrancy in the town and suggested that murals and public art could make the town appear more friendly and upbeat. Their insight spurred the idea of a mural project that could also unite the local children.

From this brainstorming emerged the mural initiative, with the parklet on the main street chosen as the perfect canvas.

Installed in early August, the mural is now on public display in Richmond Street, infusing Wardell’s main street with a renewed sense of vibrancy and community spirit.

For more information about the Wardell Village Centre revitalisation project visit yoursayballina.com.au/wardell-village-centre