Artist and students give lacklustre Bay laneway a faclift

Located next to Bay Office Supplies in Orient Street, the mural was an initiative of the Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce, with funding from Regional Country Arts NSW.

Titled From Mountains to the Sea, the mural showcases four scenes of local geography using Indigenous painting techniques.

Students from St Peter’s Anglican College and St Bernard’s Primary School were involved.

Anne Brown, of the chamber, said the project was a creative, hands-on lesson for students in Indigenous art and culture.

“It was hoped the chamber could unite the local community in creating a unique mural, rich in cultural heritage, depicting significant Indigenous history, utilising traditional indigenous techniques,” Ms Brown said.

“The project is the first of its kind in the Bay area.

“It is hoped the chamber can initiate an arts project each year to visually liven up the town, embrace the traditional history of the area and unite local community groups in a joint creation.”

Chamber member Darren Knight, of Bay Office Supplies, said the mural was a striking addition to the formerly lacklustre laneway.

Mr Knight said the mural had become a talking point since it was completed last month.

“Every single person who has looked at it has walked past and done a double take,” Mr Knight said.

“For the past month, we’ve had two people a day come into the shop and say: ‘That’s grouse.’”

Mr Knight said the chamber had plans to spruce up more blank walls around Batemans Bay.

For St Peter’s Anglican College student Luka Brogan, the project was a fun lesson in storytelling through art.

“The artwork tells the story of our school because we live near the ocean where we can all go and have fun,” Luka said.

“I learnt that we can tell our own story by painting.”

Teacher Danielle Phillips said it was special for students to see the finished work take pride of place in the Bay CBD.

“Usually at their level, they don’t get to exhibit their art in such a public space,” Ms Phillips said.

“Watching how much the students’ skill in painting evolved was beautiful to see.”