By REBECCA BILLS
A NEW mural at the Mount Evelyn Community RSL Memorial Gardens created an extra special ambiance at this year’s Dawn Service when unveiled.
Located on the toilet block wall facing the gardens, the artwork features the rising sun, the symbol of the Australian armed forces, and a silhouette of a solider with his rifle upturned in respect for the fallen.
Local youth worker and artist Brad Colling said he and a group of seven local youths completed the mural over a day and a half after being asked by Mount Evelyn RSL president Roger Boness.
“I used to run the Youth Shed and we did the mural on the side of the shed for Anzac Day a few years ago,” he said.
“Through that we formed a relationship with Roger and he came and spoke to me about getting some of the young guys to do this one.
“The mural is tribute to all those who served and those who gave their lives – I feel honoured to have been asked by the RSL to do this project.”
Mount Evelyn youth Jesse Nicholas helped in the painting of the artwork and said it means everything to him to be a part of a project like this.
“I’m from Mount Evelyn and it means a lot to finally give back to the community,” he said.
“It was heaps of fun and it looks amazing so I hope everyone else loves it – which I’m sure they do.”
The mural was unveiled at the Dawn Service by Yarra Ranges Deputy Mayor Maria McCarthy who said the piece will be a constant visual reminder of the fallen soldiers from all wars.
“Unveiling this mural is a fitting tribute,” she said.
Mr Boness said the positioning of the mural could not be more appropriate as it attracts the western sunset.
“I could not of asked for anything better, it is absolutely spot on,” he said.
“I hope the community respects the work and takes pride in this community asset.”
