The Chandler Oak Mural in The Basin has received a fresh new look, following a community-led consultation by Knox Council earlier this year.
Located on the side of Rainy Day Books at 1301 Mountain Highway, the Chandler Oak Mural had been a familiar sight in The Basin for more than two decades.
But after years of rain, sun and changing seasons, the once-vibrant artwork had begun to fade.
Paint was peeling, and the wooden frame around the oak tree had started to rot.
Keen to put the future of the mural in the hands of those who know and love it best, Knox Council reached out to the community including, local traders, residents and visitors to share their thoughts on what should come next.
Through the Have Your Say survey, the community was asked whether they preferred a full restoration of the original design or a refreshed version with a contemporary approach.
The results were clear, 72 per cent of respondents favoured a refreshed design, while 28 per cent supported a full restoration.
In response, Council engaged Melbourne-based artist Christian Vine (VEINS), known for his nature-inspired murals across Australia, to reimagine the work in his own style – one that honours the spirit of the original while breathing new life into the space.
Mr Vine, who lives near the Dandenongs and regularly visits The Basin with his family, said the site had long caught his attention.
“It was a famous mural that’d been there for over 20 years,” Mr Vine said.
“As the location was an area I visited almost every weekend for my morning coffee with the family at one in 20, I constantly thought about the potential this spot had to offer.”
Working closely with Knox Council’s arts team, Mr Vine developed a vision that blends the familiar image of the oak tree with a new warmth and vibrancy.
“I wanted to bring light and colour into a dreary and weathered scene,” he said.
“I imagined a morning sunrise beaming over the Dandenong mountains while some dramatic clouds travelled atop the warm gradient of colours rising up behind the hills.”
At the centre of the new design stands the oak tree, still strong and proud, now bathed in dynamic light as it stretches its limbs toward the sun.
Mr Vine said one of the most rewarding parts of the process was connecting with locals during the early days of painting.
“On the first day setting up site, I had a few early risers strolling through to pick up their morning coffees,” he said.
“One tradie who lived just down the road stopped to ask what was happening. We bonded over how beautiful the area was, and each day he came by at the same time for a chat.”
That connection grew into a small daily ritual, culminating in a shared moment as the sun dipped over the Dandenongs.
“On one of the evenings, he swung past to catch the sunset with me. We both pointed out the distant red and orange hues over the hills and trees,” Mr Vine said.
“It was nice to see the physical manifestation the project had created.”
The refreshed Chandler Oak Mural was completed during June 2025, marking a new chapter for this much-loved local landmark – shaped by community, grounded in history, and brought to life with a fresh creative vision.
