There is beauty after trauma: New mural at Mogo Wildlife Park

Surf Beach locals Bronwen Smith and Gavin Chatfield, co-owners of Gwiyaala Aboriginal Arts, were commissioned to decorate the wall at the carpark entrance to the zoo.

Ms Smith painted 'Rejuvenation' on canvas after the fires two years ago. It was her interpretation of the land coming back to life with a newfound beauty.

The artwork was adapted to fit the side of the building in Mogo.

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Mr Chatfield said painting on Colourbond created challenges, but that the mural was a joy to paint.

He hopes the painting inspires hope in people.

"After the horrific thing that the fires were, there is still beauty that comes out of the trauma," Mr Chatfield said. "There is still life after the fires. The earth does come back to life, and it brings beauty with it."

In between rainy days, the artwork took the pair five days to complete.

Ms Smith has been painting for 14 years, Mr Chatfield for seven. Seven years ago the pair joined together to create Gwiyaala Aboriginal Arts and have been painting artworks and murals ever since. They've decorated walls in Batemans Bay, Sydney and Canberra.

The project was funded by the Federal Government's Stronger Communities Grant, aiming to create vibrant, viable communities.