By Jed Lanyon
A new project to spruce up Wandin will see murals created around the township.
One large mural is well on its way to being completed along Marigold Way as local artist Brad Colling puts a flowery touch to a blank brick wall.
Other murals to come include one that will feature alongside IGA’s exterior walls and will be created in conjunction with local primary schools.
The project came about thanks to a grant from Yarra Ranges Council and work from Wandin Rotary and the local township group.
Mr Colling of Buzzart, has just put the finishing touches to the mural on the exterior walls of Wandin Florist.
“We’re doing a mural to pay homage to the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley and we’re trying to beautify the township,” he said. “There’s a lot of gardeners in the Yarra Valley. Some people move out here for their appreciation of nature.”
Mr Colling is a fifth generation Wandin resident and has been painting murals for over 10 years.
He was responsible for the mural on Wandin’s public toilet block, An Anzac themed mural that runs underneath the railway bridge in Ringwood and most recently the Wandin Station Mural Project, which features his own family’s mural.
“My grandpa was the station master, so I now live in the station master’s house. I’m definitely very proud of that… When you’ve been somewhere for generations, you’re planted there.
As Mr Colling was busy spraying away, making the most of a rare warm and sunny July day, a local passerby commented, “That looks absolutely beautiful”. Mr Colling explains what that feedback means to him.
“It feels good, it definitely makes me feel like I’m doing the right thing for my work. I love contributing to my community.”
But there’s more than just the positive impact of creating art in his community as Mr Colling said graffiti vandals are much less likely to spray over his work compared to a vacant brick wall.
“The art generally doesn’t get tagged. I’ve probably painted around 30 murals and I think only two of them have been tagged. Not only does it beautify an area but it can stop the vandalism as well.”
Wandin Florist Amy Collins was impressed with the new mural.
“He’s very talented, Brad. He’s doing a great job and we’re very happy with how it’s coming along.
“It brings the community together and ties the theme of everything colourful. We just wanted to add some colour to the area… I call it colour therapy, it helps people feel better when you see something that’s coloured instead of seeing a blank wall.”
“It provides a photo opportunity for people as well. They can come along and take photos in front of it.”
Ms Collins, a florist of 22 years, has recently taken over the Wandin business.
“I love the area. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive and I look forward to my journey here at Wandin Florist.
