A perfect ‘storm’ to beautify Merbein’s streets

Published on 19 September 2018

Merbein’s Commercial Street is taking on a vibrant new look following the completion of two community projects as part of the region’s recovery from recent major storm events.

In a perfect example of ‘from something bad, good things come”, the two projects are designed to breathe new life into Merbein’s main street, making it an active and enticing thoroughfare, both for residents to enjoy and new businesses.

They’re the latest initiatives from the Storm Recovery Working Group, which was formed in February this year following Council’s ongoing efforts to help the community recover from the three major storm events of the past two years.

The first project is signage on four planter boxes at the intersection of Commercial Street and Railway Avenue, created by well-known local artist Terry McGowan, who worked with the community to bring their ideas to life.

The second is three mosaic panels, which have been fixed to the exterior of the public toilets in Commercial Street. The mosaics were produced by numerous volunteers who gave their time to develop the concepts and ideas before then cutting and grouting the mosaic.

Councillor for Community Safety Simon Clemence said the works, funded by Emergency Management Victoria, came out of a brainstorming session in late July this year.

“The brainstorming session provided the community with a chance to put forward their ideas and thoughts on the themes and messages represented in the artwork,” Cr Clemence said.

“We had about 40 people attend two sessions on the day, which was a great response from residents and really shows the pride they have in their town. It was fantastic to see the way they embraced this project, and they can certainly be proud of the end result.”

These ideas became a reality about a month later, when in late August about 30 residents spent three days creating the mosaic artworks, which were installed last week.

Cr Clemence said that in guiding the project, the Storm Recovery Working Group wanted to continue the theme already established by Lower Murray Water’s Mosaics of Merbein project and bring vibrancy to Merbein’s main street.

He said the themes of the painted mosaic signage represented the past, present and future of Merbein, recognising the local produce of the area. 

The concept for the tiled mosaic meanwhile is the landscape of Merbein, with a stylised aerial representation of the land, the river, fruit blocks and other prominent features.

Looking to the future, there are further plans to increase greenery in the main street and continue the mosaic theme – aspiring to make mosaics a niche art attraction in Merbein. 

Mildura Rural City Council would like to acknowledge and thank Bunnings Warehouse for its contribution to this community project, supplying some free materials.

For more information contact Council’s Community Recovery Executive Officer Kerryne McClelland on (03) 5018 8100.

Media enquiries 
Ben Piscioneri
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e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au