The Tom Price Mural Project is complete!
DAY ONE
We kicked things off with artist Matty, from Melnunnie Art and Grand Trine Creative, meeting with May Byrne and other Elders to yarn about the stories, symbols, and spirit that should be reflected in the mural. It was a powerful conversation grounded in culture, community, and shared vision.
Then it was time to collaborate! It was great to see so many incredible ideas and contributions in everyone’s designs for mural inspiration.
Cladding was installed, the undercoat went on, and then Matty carefully outlined the mural, setting the stage for everyone to pick up a brush and bring it to life on day two!
DAY TWO
Tuesday’s weather didn’t stop our community from showing up and getting stuck in! The mural started to come to life, painting in the bright colours and winding waterways that flow through Country.
While painting the animals on the wall, one of the young people shared stories about the different snakes in the area – culture, knowledge, and art, woven together in real time.
It was great to see some of the group from Day One back on Day Two, and with them, some new faces! The mural and the spirit behind it grew stronger every day, heat, rain, and all.
DAY THREE
Wednesday brought art and nature together, working side by side, with the birds in the trees singing above us as the painters brought their own birds to life in the mural. We got to see the colours truly pop, and the bright flowers drawn by Community extended around the wall, wrapping the IBN building in vibrancy.
Grounding the artwork in life on Country, the jackaroos and jillaroos took their place, along with the nightscape, telling the story of the emu in the sky – a nod to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as our first astronomers.
Throughout the day, many stopped to see the artwork’s progress, as well as how Community contributions had been incorporated into the mural. It’s amazing to see how everyone’s work has come together so well under Matt’s guidance.
DAY FOUR
Thursday was spent on the finer details, preparing for adding the finishing touches on Day Five.
As the day progressed, we saw new and familiar faces, coming to see the mural and how it has been shaped and brought to life by Community. The project widens its reach through the efforts of so many – we’re thrilled to see the enjoyment and positive impact that creating this mural has brought to the week!
DAY FIVE
That’s a wrap! Day Five was spent adding the finishing touches to our beautiful community mural at the Tom Price IBN office.
Thank you to everyone who contributed and especially to May Byrne for her advice and approvals throughout the week. We’re thrilled with the final result and are excited to share this with our Members and wider community in the region!
This mural is more than art, it is a living story of IBN, our Members, and the legacy we honour and continue to build together.
