The making of a community mural (Story Book) - North Yarra ...

concept drawings, interviewing, digital documentation, working with community artists and had the
opportunity to voice their opinions and express their ideas.
They got the opportunity to produce a power point presentation for the launch of the project, work on
the documentation of the project and had the practical experience of painting and working with the
community artists.
How do we measure a project like this? This is a true community collaboration that gives students a
clear understanding of how important community interaction and involvement is to everyone: a true
sense of belonging, feeling connected, making a contribution and being part of the wider community.
From an educational perspective this experience and the opportunity to be involved in it adds to the rich
tapestry of each and every student. This prepares them in future years as they grow into their community
wherever they may be and gives them a true understanding of what ‘community spirit’ means.
Andy Sutton
Art Teacher, Collingwood College
Tania Furlong
At the 2007 Annual General Meeting of the community health centre a small child sat in front of me
with her mother. She turned around and when seeing me, gave me a big smile and said to her mum ‘I
know her’. I had met them both at the mural design workshops. It was just a small acknowledgement
from a child but it reminded me how participation in community activities builds community
relationships.
I participated in the mural project through my work at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre (NJC). The
centre opened in Collingwood in February 2007. It houses a court, provides support services for
victims, defendants and local residents, and holds mediation and crime prevention programs for the
City of Yarra. It is the first community justice centre in Australia.
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IN THE FLOW - the making of a community mural