If you've missed your annual dose of street art since Wall to Wall has been on hold then head out to Waminda House to see Benalla's newest mural.
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A group of 16 young people, under the guidance of street artist Katie van Newton, produced the artwork, which has brightened up the community house in Ballintine St.
The project, which was managed by volunteer Kate Holmes, was due to be unveiled 12 months ago.
Of course when COVID-19 hit the project was put on hold, however, Ms Holmes and Waminda House coordinator Janet Symes said the unveiling was a great way to kick start this year's programs.
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“We got the idea from the kids,” Ms Symes said.
“We put a bit of a survey out to the people in the community, particularly the kids, to see what kinds of things they would like to see happen at Waminda Community House.
“The idea of the mural project was put forward and it was perfect as it was all about youth engagement.
“And it was designed to kill three birds with one stone.
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“We also wanted to brighten up our community hub, and we wanted to encourage people to come out into Ballintine St and take a look at what we do here.
“We tried to have it running in conjunction with Wall to Wall, sadly that was cancelled, but we decided to push ahead.”
Ms Holmes said the young people who took part were aged between eight and 16.
“We have been interested in doing a series of skills-based workshops,” Ms Holmes said.
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“So this was an art project as part of that.
“The street-artist worked with the children and used their vision about things they enjoy.
“Then she used a projector and put it up on this big board and the kids painted it under her guidance.
“The whole project was really directed and driven by the kids.
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“We wanted to coincide today’s unveiling with some other activities, so we have a sausage sizzle going on out the back and we’re busy setting up an Easter egg hunt for the kids.
“Yesterday we had a skills-based workshop with Wheelie Awesome, where the kids are taught how to maintain their bikes.
“Benalla Rural City Council have been on board and assisted with all of that, and we've still got a few things up our sleeves for this year.
“So the mural is a great example of a few organisations coming together to work with the kids and community.”
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Alana, Elizabeth and Mika are three of the youngsters who took part, with Alana describing the project as lots of fun.
“It has taken us a couple of weeks to finish,” Elizabeth sad.
“We can't wait for everyone to come and see it,” Mika added.
Artist Katie van Newton said she had great fun working with the kids.
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“I was invited by Kate who organised the project, we had a couple of design workshops and I was faced with the task of bringing it all into one theme,” Ms Van Newton said,
“We had various ages and it all fell into place nicely, and we think it’s awesome.
“And the kids, my God. I am so proud of them. Some of them are walking a whole lot taller today, so that’s fantastic.”
Ms Symes said Waminda's next project was to plug a gap in activities and programs for young people aged 16 to 24.
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“We are looking for ways to engage them, so we have some programs we want to run aimed at teaching independent living skills in a social setting, so it can be a bit of fun, too,” she said.
“When we have some young people that age coming along we can work with them to see what they would like to see happen.
“But we are looking at things like helping with certain qualifications like RSAs, first aid, food safety handling and things like that.
“So a bit of employment pathways. And we’ll be partnering with local organisations like The Centre for that.”
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Ms Holmes said the project would not have been possible without funding from Melbourne-based philanthropic group the Awesome Foundation.
“And even though they don’t normally fund the same place two years in a row they also gave us some funding towards the bike repair workshops.”
● Ms Symes said Waminda house was always keen for more volunteers. If anyone is willing to put their hands up to help you can phone Ms Symes on 5762 4528.
● If any young people in Benalla would like to come along to see what Waminda House does you can either pop in to Waminda house at 19 Ballintine St, or call on the above number.
● Waminda Community House is open from 9 am to 4 pm Monday to Thursday.
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