Works to transform three mural sites in the heart of Noojee will soon begin, with 90 Degrees selected as the artist to bring to life a vision of the town's recovery and resilience.
In June, Council invited expressions of interest from qualified artists to create three public murals that pay homage to the communities along the Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road and acknowledges the town's resilience and recovery in the face of adversity after significant emergency events.
Following a thorough selection process with input from Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road Community Recovery Committee, 90 Degrees was appointed to complete the works.
As part of their application, the artist worked with Council and Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road Community Recovery Committee to finalise the design concepts that have been selected for the following sites:
- Site 1: Noojee Public Toilets, 22 Bennett Street, Noojee
The concept design includes historical imagery from a time that follows the 1926 fires, leading into an image of the mill in Powelltown. It also includes imagery of people standing on the Noojee Bridge referencing the transition from adversity towards the town's strong timber trade.
- Site 2: Noojee Public Hall, 7 Henty Street, Noojee
The concept design for the public hall touches on themes of indigenous cultural heritage, settlement, the early forestry industry and infrastructure. It will feature a minimalistic forest backdrop and include an image of a Penny Tree and an early logging train.
- Site 3: Noojee Public Toilets, Corner School Road and Mt Baw Baw Tourist Road, Noojee
The concept design is reflective of Noojee now and into the future. The artwork will feature the Noojee Forest backdrop and include elements that highlight the resilient flora and fauna in the area.
The works are set to begin in late August and aiming for completion by the end of September (weather permitting). An opening event will be held to celebrate the finished work, with more information to be announced on Council's website and social media channels shortly.
"This project is all about uniting the communities who have been previously impacted by bushfires and other emergency events," says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Annemarie McCabe.
"The concept designs highlight the town's cultural heritage while paying homage to the people who have shown remarkable bravery in the face of hardship and emergency. We are thrilled that the team at 90 Degrees are about to begin working their magic on these sites. I can't wait to see the completed artworks".
The Noojee resilience art project is funded via Emergency Recovery Victoria's Community-led Recovery Support 2021-22 grants program.
