Talented artists have created four vibrant murals to add colour to community spaces as part of a new Council initiative.
The inaugural Neighbourhood Murals Project has successfully completed its 2024 program with the delivery of murals at Kewarra Beach, Babinda, Smithfield and White Rock.
Sites were nominated by Councillors and were selected through a panel assessment.
An artist was assigned to each murals, with local community stakeholders engaged to help guide designs to reflect each neighbourhood's environmental, social, or historical characteristics.
In White Rock, artist Daniel Wallwork completed a new mural at Bak Park, Progress Road.
Nominated by Division 3 Councillor Cathy Zeiger for a much-needed refresh, the amenities block has been transformed with vibrant sunset colours and a design that truly captures the essence of White Rock.
The artist was inspired by the playful and cheeky Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos that are abundant in the area.
The mural also features a white line representing the iconic White Rock peak and eucalyptus trees reflecting the park's surroundings.
Visible from the busy Bruce Highway, the mural has already delighted locals and tourists alike, with drivers honking in appreciation and tourists stopping to take a photo.
"I even met 'Cockatoo Mick,' a local known for his love of the cockatoo's. He was thrilled with the artwork and even shook my hand in gratitude," Mr Wallwork added.
The Neighbourhood Murals Project will continue in 2025, with new locations and artists already in consideration.
2024 Neighbourhood Murals Project sites:
- Kewarra Beach, Pelican Park Amenities Block. Artist Violet Shaban captured the tranquil beauty of Kewarra Beach with blues and greens inspired by the sky, water, and local flora. Beach elements were incorporated after Violet discovered a collection of shells in the park. The project was supported by Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds and local community members.
- Babinda, Anzac Park Amenities Block. Artist Matthew Thompson (LING) created a mural honouring local history with five portraits representing WWI, WWII, and Roman auxiliaries. Featuring a combination of greyscale, sepia tones, and splashes of red and blue, the mural pays tribute to the Australian servicemen and women who defended our country, with subtle nods to local war history.
- Smithfield, Cairns Mountain Bike clubhouse amenities block: Local artist Sharon Wedel worked with the Smithfield community to craft a mural that celebrates the heritage and culture of the Cairns Mountain Bike Club. The design features flora, fauna, and tributes to local champions Tracey and Mick Hannah, founding members, and other significant elements of the club's history. Students from Bentley Park and Newman College were involved in the painting process.
- White Rock Bak Park amenities block: The final mural of the 2024 project, by artist Daniel Wallwork, brightens Bak Park with sunset colours and playful Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, which are a familiar sight in the White Rock area. The design also features a white line representing White Rock peak and eucalyptus trees, symbolizing the surrounding landscape. The mural, visible from the Bruce Highway, has already captured the attention of locals and tourists alike.
