08 Sep 2016
Upper Coopers Creek Public School has recently turned a drab bus shelter into a colourful work of art in a project that has involved the whole school (all eight students and two teachers) as well as the wider community.
The new design is influenced by the work of Indigenous artist Bronwyn Bancroft and a T-shirt made by local artist Rose McKinley at the school in the mid-80s. The shirt featured a linocut print of the palm trees and black cockatoos so prolific in the Upper Coopers Creek catchment, and the students used this this as inspiration for their nature and wildlife artwork.
"The shelter was first painted 12 years ago by local school children, and those former students were invited back with their own kids to help with this new project," explained Upper Coopers Creek Public School relieving principal Jen Wright.
"Everyone has said they love it and people have stopped to paint, to clean the shelter, to help out in any way they can. It has been such a positive project and the whole community has been involved. It has really brought everyone together."
Jen said it was a very happy coincidence when artist Rose McKinley drove past and stopped to add a few hand-painted bees to the artwork.
"That was just a piece of perfect timing – it was such a nice touch. Like everything has come full circle," Jen said.
Jen thanked the community for their enthusiasm for the project as well as Lismore City Council for providing permission and free paint.
"When we rang Council to ask permission we kind of expected a battle, but they were so supportive of our idea and offered to provide all the painting materials," Jen said.
"It was so nice to have that support, and to be given all the paint was very generous – we weren't expecting that!"
Lismore City Council is keen to support any projects that help Council maintain community infrastructure and bring colour and fun to local communities.