It’s an artwork commemorating the devastating Canberra bushfires and a symbol of Weston Creek.
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Now the large mural on the side of the Weston Creek Community Centre is getting a restoration, just in time for the centre’s 40th anniversary next year.
The restoration is set to begin in mid-October, and will see the artwork receive new paint, with graffiti also being removed from the site.
Community centre manager Yung Tran said the restoration comes after much public feedback to see the mural back to its former glory.
“There’s been a bit of graffiti and damage over the years,” he said.
“It’s been there for the centre and particularly for the members of the community, and it’s become like a part of the heritage of Weston Creek.”
The mural was originally painted in 2005 as a tribute to the Canberra bushfires in 2003.
Mr Tran said the mural was commissioned by Communities At Work, using a grant from the ACT government.
“The theme for the mural is reflecting the bushfire as well as general life in Weston Creek,” he said.
“It’s become quite a feature in Weston Creek, there’s even been talk of using the mural as part of the new community centre.”
Cleaning of the mural is already under way ahead of the restoration, with one artist working on it throughout the project.
An estimated $1500 is being spent on the mural renewal.
There’s even been talk of adding to the mural to reflect the changing nature of Weston Creek and the growing Molonglo Valley area.
“There’s been talk of adding this theme into the middle of the mural,” Mr Tran said.
“We just have to get the restoration done first and then we can get a design done up.”
The proposed addition to the mural would be designed by the same artist if it goes ahead.
It’s hoped the mural will look as good as new when the community centre celebrates 40 years in April 2018.
The Weston Creek Community Council is set to begin planning for the anniversary in coming months.
Mr Tran said a large celebration is planned for the occasion, which would also run alongside the 40th anniversary of nearby Cooleman Court.