Rochester Early Learning has a new mural. Pictured: Suzy Barlow, Troy Firebrace, Michellie Charvat, Jesse Best, Daniel Mackrell, Jessica Mitchell, and Luke Sharrock are proud of Rochester Early Learning’s new mural. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
A fresh mural has been unveiled at Rochester Early Learning, showcasing a collaboration between Indigenous artists and local kids.
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The ‘Curious Possum’ mural was officially launched by Campaspe Shire Council on Friday, June 20.
The mural features parts of the centre the students pointed out to artist Michellie Charvat during a visit.
Artists Troy Firebrace and Michellie Charvat, who collaborated with students at the centre, spoke about the process that brought the mural to life.
“I had an absolute blast visiting the centre and talking to the kids about some of the things they love to do when they’re here,” Ms Charvat said.
“What the kids led me to is exactly what informed the incredible mural.”
The students showed Ms Charvat the snow peas, rosemary and olives growing in the centre, as well as the worm farm, all of which are included in the mural.
Stories about a possum that often visits the centre were also excitedly shared and became a central piece of Ms Charvat’s mural.
Artist Michellie Charvat shares the process behind the mural.
“The wonderful kids told me about how they saw the tail of the possum, or that they got to see it in the morning, or that they’ll see it on the roof,” she said.
Ms Charvat said the golden wattle the possum hangs from is a tribute to the centre’s locally designed logo.
After her visit to the centre, Ms Charvat and Mr Firebrace met to discuss and design the mural, which developed into an interactive and engaging piece for the students.
Troy Firebrace discusses the mural’s inspiration.
“My son came into the studio. He’s nine years old and I was asking ‘can you count how many ladybugs you can see? How many worms can you find?’” Mr Firebrace said.
“Every day is an adventure. Every day is a new day that sparks with so much imagination and joy, and that’s what we decided to capture here for everyone.”
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the mural represented community spirit and would help to strengthen ties to Indigenous culture.
Campaspe Shire Council communities director Jo Bradshaw, Mayor Daniel Mackrell and Cr Luke Sharrock at the mural launch.
“As council, we talk about being allies to First Peoples. Projects like this actually help make culture part of everyday life,” he said.
“To all the children, this is your mural. Your voice has made it what it is and you should all be really, really proud of it.”
The mural was made possible by funding through the council’s flood recovery initiatives.
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