Mural to can graffiti

By Tania Martin
HILLS artists have swapped their spray cans for paint brushes in an attempt to leave graffiti behind.
Eleven young people from Cockatoo, Emerald and Gembrook are the first to complete an extensive anti-graffiti program.
The pilot program was the first of its kind and was developed for youths between 12 and 18 who were at risk of disengaging from school or not employed full-time and have an interest in various art forms.
Titled, Art in the Hillz, the program was designed by the Shire of Cardinia in an attempt to discourage vandalism and graffiti.
The project was funded through the Federal Government’s National Community Crime Prevention Programme.
For the past 10 weeks the participants have been painting a tennis mural which is now proudly displayed at the Emerald Tennis Club.
Participants in the program included Jake Price, Tess Gillard, Toni Wilson, Aidan Lees, James Shaddock, Evie Vandevelde, Marcus Cooper, Ashley Waters, Sarah Black, Mark Geisler and Adrian Grenda.
Shire youth project officer James Oakley said the program gave participants art skills, as well encouraging respect for their local area.
“This program took a proactive approach to the issue of graffiti and has significant benefits, including a new piece of community art,” he said.
Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legge recently presented the participants with a certificate on an empty spray can used for the project – personalised with their name – as recognition for their involvement.
Cr Legge said that it was fantastic to finally see the mural complete.
“It can be seen from the other side of Worrell Reserve.
“It clearly points out where the tennis club is and I congratulate the young people on their creative and well planned work – it is an asset for the Emerald community,” he said.
Local artist Tara Kingston, said that the participants had developed their natural artistic talents as well as planning and designing the mural as a team.
Emerald Tennis Club president Alec Greig thanked the budding artists and said the club was very happy with the completed mural.
“It looks spectacular from the road and I’ve had good feedback from many of our members on how much they like it, particularly the younger members,” he said.
Mr Greig said the wall had been badly defaced by graffiti in the past and that the club hoped the artistic mural would help prevent this happening in the future.