A new Moama mural honours the 2022 floods. Pictured are Murray Ross, Greg Chandler and Stewart Gough.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
A mural that commemorates the 2022 floods has come alive beneath a Moama bridge, with further artworks sought to accompany it.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Financed by Dr Stewart Gough, local artists Murray Ross and Greg Chandler collaborated to bring the thoughtful piece to what was a drab slab of concrete.
“The idea is to show people what it was like, what happens in the flood ... and the discomfort it means to people, too,” Mr Ross said.
The work marks the actual high water line left by the flood, with an SES boat depicted floating on the line above the mingling marine life and debris.
On the mural’s side, both the 2022 and 1993 floods’ high watermarks have been outlined for a visual comparison.
Both the 1993 and 2022 flood marks are emphasised on the mural’s side.
Photo by
Ryan Bellingham
Around 20 blank surfaces remain beneath the railway bridge between Meninya St and Horseshoe Lagoon, with each side of 10 columns a possible canvas.
“They’re perfect panels to use because they’re not used for anything else,” Mr Gough said.
“It’s to encourage people to come and use the area, and part of the beautification of an otherwise unused area.”
After a four-year battle with a Victorian Government department to approve the artwork, Mr Gough hopes to see further murals soon.
Mr Chandler, who painted the mural based on a drawing by Mr Ross, said the project came together over five days.
While the surface was difficult to prepare, he said the working conditions were ideal, especially with Bridge Art Project secretary Lynne Gillard bringing him tea on his breaks.
“Hopefully (the government) can use this as a precedent. It was completed safely with no disruption to railway or public work,” Mr Chandler said.
“They might go, ‘you guys know what you’re doing, do what you did before’.”
Mr Gough said the original plan for the project was to honour the area’s past through a series of works, including geological, Aboriginal and recent history.
Murray River Council was highly supportive of the initiative, and Moama Bowling Club also provided support.
12°C