Journey Early Learning to be decorated with mural from local artist

A colourful, vibrant mural will soon cover the rear north-facing wall of Journey Early Learning in Winchelsea, thanks to the efforts of a Community Project Working Group, led by Growing Winchelsea.

 

A local artist, Lauren Green, has been chosen to decorate the 42 metre wall, which faces Winchelsea’s railway reserve.

 

Ms Green will begin the work on the building, located at 63 Hesse Street in February, hoping to beautify the blank wall, add interest to one of Winchelsea’s key visitor gateways and capture and celebrate what makes the town and district special.

 

“I am so passionate about improving spaces within our community and when I saw this opportunity pop up, I couldn’t even contain my excitement,” she said.

 

“I am proudly Winch and I absolutely adore it for all it is. I have always noticed the lack of public art here though, for such a colourful and diverse community our infrastructure says differently.”

 

“I paint murals for a living and to be able to paint one in my hometown, on the back of the day care where my two boys attend is an absolute dream come true.”

 

Growing Winchelsea’s Station Precinct Sub-Committee registered the proposal with Surf Coast Shire Council’s Community Project Development Program last year, and while the Council is helping to progress the project, it is largely community led. 

 

Cr Heather Wellington said the mural will be “bright, colourful, and a perfect fit to bring creativity and fun to the space.” 

 

The mural has been brought to life thanks to joint funding from:

 

• Surf Coast Shire Community Initiatives Grant ($5,000)
• Journey Early Learning Childcare Centre owner ($5,000)
• Regional Arts Victoria – Regional Arts Fund Quick Response Grant ($5,000)
• Lions Club of Winchelsea ($3,000)
• Community Bank Surf Coast Community Initiative Grant ($3,000).

 

“This project involves the Lions Club, students and teachers from the local school, the Growing Winchelsea Station Precinct group and the childcare centre,” Growing Winchelsea member, Louise Hall explained.

 

“It is a great place-making project that has engaged a local artist with strong links to the town and location.”

 

The mural is set to be completed by March 2024.

 

Image shows: (L to R) Angela Hall, Rebecca Morris from Journey Early Learning Centre Winchelsea, artist Lauren Green, Louise Hall, John Hutton and Graham Kenafacke from Growing Winchelsea, and Winchelsea Lions Club.