Blue Heelers gets splash of colour

Brand new artwork has been installed on the Blue Heelers building in Marine Terrace.

The old Blue Heelers Tavern has been given a fresh new outlook with the installation of brand new artwork on the exterior of the building.

A series of eight panels were installed on the building this week, which is part of a number of street artworks commissioned by the City of Greater Geraldton.

Local artist, Michelle Santarelli, designed and painted the eight panels and says her inspiration came from Western Australia.

“The artworks are inspired by WA’s people, richness and abundance,” she said.

“There are representations of different cultures, groups and different individuals as well as the colours of the soils, the colours of the fish and wildflowers, metals, rocks and crystals.”

Michelle collaborated with fellow artist Anthea da Silva, to create portraits for some of the panels which embody Greater Geraldton’s diversity. Local artist Karen Sanders was also involved and has painted the bottom half of the building with a series of butterflies and wings.

Several artists have been appointed to brighten our CBD as part of the City’s Vibrancy Strategy.

The City has worked with the Arts and Cultural Development Council (ACDC), local artists, entrepreneurs, not-for-profit organisations (NFPs) and city centre landowners with the aim to add some vibrancy to the city centre.

Deputy Mayor, Neil McIlwaine said the City is committed to improving the look of the City’s CBD.

“We’ve already seen some amazing artworks completed and it really has had a positive outcome for the community,” he said.

“It’s great to see buildings like Blue Heelers getting revamped.”

Artist Rose Holdaway is also working on an artwork on the Men’s Shed located in Marine Terrace.

The mural of silhouettes are portraits of local individuals.

“The inner paintings represent things that have come up in conversation regarding what the individuals like,” Rose said.

“Three of the figures painted are from the Men’s Shed and the others are people from around West End.”