Youth Connections students from Campbell Page led the charge on the Orient Street laneway, opposite Flora Crescent, painting the first stage in a triptych mural to be completed in coming months.

Students such as Malua Bay’s Kiarn Rogan, 17, Sunshine Bay’s Tiarny White, 18, Mogo’s Leaharna Morgan, 18 and Sunshine Bay’s Louise Reynolds, 20, appealed to the community to help. Woolworths worker William Stove was one who answered their call on his way home from work.

Bunnings’ activity organiser Samantha Dunne brought both paint and her own willing hands, lasting the distance until the day’s work was done.

Catalina youth work student Kylie Lafferty thought the project was good experience for her future work, volunteering all day with daughter Takoda, 4.

Students painted slogans such as “A child without an education is like a bird without wings”, and “Life is short, youth is finite, opportunities are endless”.

“Make good choices,” was Ms Reynolds’ painted advice.

Youth Connections project worker Debbie Grant said hundreds of passersbys stopped to watch and take part.

“We had almost 200 people through and they contributed by putting their thumb print onto the tree of life,” she said.

She said many stopped to praise the young people’s efforts.

“It was a group effort, with all young people putting in their thoughts and design ideas in,” she said.

She praised the input of Wade Westerland, Kylie Breacher and Daniel Jessop, and everyone who took part.

“Wade was instrumental in getting that design onto the wall,” she said.

“That young man is so keen to find employment and there were so many people who commented on his efforts.”

The next stage will be finished in time for NAIDOC Week, with painting starting within the next two weeks.

On July 2, everyone is invited to drop down and help finish the work. To help contact Ms Grant on 0448 210 985.

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