Colour comes to creek trail

GOLDFIELDS Libraries is bringing art to the streetscape with a new mural at Kangaroo Flat Library.

The artwork is funded by Healthy Heart of Victoria and will be done by local artists Wes Franklin and Rachel Doller, with the aim of creating a “vibrant and exciting space” for the community.

Manager of engagement for Goldfields Libraries Lucy Mayes said she is excited to see the white wall, across from the Bendigo Creek Trail, transformed.

“Obviously with COVID, libraries have been closed a lot and programs have been scheduled and then cancelled and we were pondering what to do with this very blank, boring piece of wall that’s right next to the Bendigo Creek,” she said.

“We know that the creek has become more and more active as families try to find ways to socialise and connect outdoors and to be active, so we felt there was an opportunity there to bring the library and literacy messaging outdoors and connect with the community.”

Project curator Reece Hendy of Nacho Station said the mural will incorporate themes of literacy and physical activity.

“Wes will be focusing on bringing literacy to the outside of the building, and Rachel has used her iconic style to represent the natural elements that surround the location, with an added sense of movement through her joyful shapes and compositions,” he said.

As well as the mural, Goldfields Libraries will also be holding outdoor events including a letter scramble along the creek with families encouraged to take their bikes and find clues between Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat Library.

A partnership with Anglicare Victoria will see street art workshops take place on 1 October, led by the Nacho Station team.

“It’s a very exciting partnership and collaboration and we’re thrilled to bring some life and joy to the streets and creeks of Bendigo and Kangaroo Flat community,” Ms Mayes said.

“We felt this was a perfect opportunity to reconnect communities with what libraries can be in a modern era as part of the streetscape of their local community.”