By Parker McKenzie
After a campaign to create artistic murals throughout Monbulk in the 1990s, many of the remaining murals are falling into disrepair or are being removed completely.
In March 2022, a mural depicting timber mill workers at the old Monbulk Produce Store was painted over. The location is currently Murphy’s Outdoor and Camping and it is unclear if there are plans to restore or replace the mural.
Many of the murals around the Monbulk Township were created in the 1990s, after Thea and Jack Pater visited the Tasmania town of Sheffield, where murals were erected in 1986.
“I was very impressed by the murals and I thought something like this could do wonders for Monbulk,” Ms Pater said in 1994.
“Monbulk is rich in pioneering and colonial history and murals depicting themes like this could be a big drawcard for tourists.”
A steering committee was formed by residents on March 30 1994 with the support of local businesses, raising $8000 in six weeks to create the displays.
The first mural was unveiled on Saturday 25 June 1994 and was followed by more in the weeks and months which followed, including murals depicting colonial life and sporting culture were painted at the Monbulk Bowling Club and Commonwealth Bank building.
Artist Barry Drinian painted the Bowling Club mural over four weeks in 1997, the eighth to be created in Monbulk.
“The mural has not only enhanced the building but also reflects the intent of the gaming and sporting complex to involve all local clubs,” bowling club secretary Peter Van Haaster said at the time.
The Monbulk Historical Society assisted with local historical images to inspire the artwork created on the murals.
Monbulk Historical Society President Armin Richter said with eight murals created in the town, the project began to stall and slowly some of them disappeared.
“The old Post Office, on the Corner of Main Road and Emerald-Monbulk Road had termite infestation and was demolished and has since been replaced by Aldi. The Bowling Club also renovated and repainted their wall with a new design,” he said.
“In 2012 two more murals were placed in the laneway beside the Friends On The Hill cafe and in 2020 Tim Bowtell, a well-known painter of silo murals, was commissioned to produce two murals for the Monbulk Historical Society which are located in the Monbulk Community Hub.”
He said two of the remaining murals were recently painted over and only a few still remain.
“With only a handful of murals remaining, Monbulk And District Community Opportunities Working group, which has succeeded the Monbulk Traders Association, is looking to explore more opportunities to again produce Murals in Monbulk,” Mr Richter said.
“One opportunity appears to be the retaining wall for the new netball courts which overlook the football ground.”
The Monbulk And District Community Opportunities Working group was contacted for comment.
Murphy’s Outdoor and Camping was also contacted for comment.
