Narrogin’s best known locations to receive splash of colour after four new murals are commissioned

Four new murals are set to add splashes of colour and culture to well-known locations around Narrogin. The Narrogin Shire Council allocated $25,000 to commission three artists to paint murals at the Railway Station, Memorial Park, the Western Power brick structure and Gnarojin Park. Local Indigenous artist Ross Storey will paint a mural on the Railway Station’s storeroom wall inspired by the location’s connection to Indigenous history. Williams’ artist Georgina Patterson will paint a native flora and fauna-themed mural on the Gnarojin Park irrigation tank. Perth artist Olivia Robinson was commissioned to paint an aquatic themed-mural on the Western Power brick structure at the junction of Federal and Egerton streets. Ms Robinson will also paint an Anzac-inspired mural on the Memorial Park irrigation tank. Shire chief executive Dale Stewart said the artists were chosen after careful consideration by the Shire’s Townscape Advisory Committee. “The procurement and advertising for potential artists for the mural artworks was via email to local known mural artists, contacts given by Arts Narrogin and through an artists’ work website with the potential to reach as many artists as possible for these works,” he said. “As part of this process, potential artists were requested to present concept designs for the four mural sites. “All submissions were presented to the TAC for discussion around the preferred artists and best concept designs based on local themes.” Ms Paterson started painting murals at schools in Queensland before bringing her craft to the southern Wheatbelt. Her murals can be spotted on the Shire of Williams driver reviver van and at several local primary school walls. Ms Paterson chose the native flora and fauna theme because she had painted several similar murals around Williams. “The flora and fauna is something that is unique to the area and I think what we have in Narrogin is pretty special,” she said. “Part of the process is going to be finding those different flora and fauna species that really represent Narrogin. “For example, I’ve seen echidnas on the side of the road, different bird species and I’d like to include some of the orchards that can be seen at Foxes Lair.” Ms Paterson said murals were a great way to liven up a “boring wall”. “I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen in Narrogin and I’m excited about it,” she said. “I just think for such a little outlay. and for something that’s not structural or too expensive like paint, it’s such a great way to brighten up a space. “A mural can make a space looked more loved and inviting and people will want to stop and have a look.”