MURRAY River Council is bringing vibrant new artwork to local primary schools through a creative mural project, delivered as part of the council’s Arts and Culture Strategy.
It comes as artist Gus Eagleton advances work on Barham’s new water tower mural project.
The Barham water tower is the first water tower Eagleton has painted, although he has more than a decade of experience in contemporary large-scale painting.
The Barham mural is broken up into three silhouettes, with detailed and colourful artwork contained within each.
After community consultation and advice from the steering committee, artists were asked to resubmit for the Barham project, bringing in wider themes than originally addressed.
Eagleton was selected to bring his piece The Murray River at Dawn, to life, incorporating the region’s natural environment, and Aboriginal and Anzac history.
“This artwork captures the tranquil beauty of dawn at the Barham Bridge on the Murray River,” he said. “As the first light casts a golden hue over the water and the red gums, it illuminates the rich history and diverse cultures that have shaped this region for over two centuries.
“Silhouetted figures honour the Anzacs, timber cutters, and First Nations people, reflecting the deep respect for those who have contributed to the land’s legacy.
“In the distance, George Rathbone and his loyal steed march in the annual Barham-Koondrook Anzac Day parade and the region’s growth and resilience through farming and timber is also symbolised.
“The composition celebrates the harmony between nature and the First Nations people, highlighting the river’s vital role in sustaining native species and local totems, such as the owlet nightjar, the bayadherra (broad-shelled turtle), and the Australasian darter.
“This piece is a tribute to the region’s unique biodiversity and the enduring connection between the land, its people, and their shared history.”
Funded through the council’s arts and culture budget, murals will be painted at Bunnaloo, Tooleybuc, Barham, Wakool/Burraboi and Moulamein primary schools.
Each school will collaborate, with local artist Zowie Crump to determine the design and location of murals, ensuring it reflects the unique identity and values of their school community.
Students will play a central role in the creative process, either designing the artwork themselves for Crump to collate and recreate, or working together on a theme for her to bring to life.
The murals will serve as a visual representation of school values and ideas, providing a lasting legacy for students, staff, and the broader community.
Mayor John Harvie said the project was a great way to engage students in public art while encouraging creativity and school pride.
“This initiative not only gives students the opportunity to be part of a larger-scale art project, but it also supports our local arts and cultural sector,” Cr Harvie said.
“It’s a fantastic example of community collaboration that will leave a lasting impact on our schools and towns.”
Crump is consulting with schools on their ideas, with work set to progressively take place over the coming months.
Funded through Round 2 of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund, the $1.7 million River Country Art Trail project will feature a series of large-scale murals on water towers in Barham, Mathoura, Moulamein, and Moama, along with a large-scale sculpture in Tooleybuc.
