Bright art to celebrate best of Bellarine

A COLOUFUL new mural showcases local young people’s favourite elements of where they live and is the result of a program to promote their health and wellbeing.

Bellarine Training and Community Hub (BTACH) at Ocean Grove has created the mural as part of its Drop In youth program, with teenagers selecting its colours and elements to demonstrate the favourite parts of their community.

The artwork was created by participants as part of Victorian Youth Fest 2022 and local artist Helen Richards, a state government-supported event that celebrates young people and the important work they do within the community.

Drop In is a service that started at BTACH in 1999 for young people from Grade 6 to Year 12 or equivalent.

BTACH manager Chris James said the new artwork would be the first of several that will soon be created and installed at the Bellarine hub.

“The Drop In program supports young people aged 12-18 across the Bellarine with activities to promote mental and physical health awareness and growth,” Mr James said.

“The artwork was developed to celebrate our region and includes imagery selected and developed by BTACH Drop In youth program participants that they felt most accurately reflect our amazing community and its surroundings.

“The work can be seen on the outside of BTACH centre and is the first of a number of new pieces that will be going up around the centre.”

Drop In is open at the Ocean Grove Hub each Friday from 6pm during school terms.