Wallsend Town Business Association has collaborated with local mural organisation, UP&UP Inspirations and It Stands Out (Melbourne) to design a largescale mural on the side of Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery’s office at 67 Nelson Street.

UP&UP Inspirations were approached by the Wallsend Town Business Association with the idea to transform the large blank wall with a colourful mural.

The property owners only request was that the mural represent the history of the coal industry in the area.

Furthermore, Wallsend celebrates 150 years of becoming a municipality in 2024 and this is a modern way to honor one of Newcastle’s most heritage rich and proud precincts.

With this information the artists approached the Wallsend Heritage Group Inc who presented a series of photographs, coupled with information related to the history in Wallsend.

Wallsend Town Business Association Chair, Wayne Rogers said it was conveyed to the artists that many people were disappointed the Peter Lewis 1981 mural was no longer there.

“Peter’s mural was loved by many, and this design was heavily inspired by his great work,” Wayne said.

Co-Creator of UP & UP Inspirations, Faith Curtis said the artists had a great time installing the piece.

“It was great for them to meet many local people who stopped by to say hello and see what was happening,” Faith said.

“The encouragement and positive feedback from the community has been wonderful. A huge highlight for the artists was meeting Peter Lewis when he stopped by to have a look at what was emerging on the wall.”

The mural was delivered under the City of Newcastle Special Business Rate Program, with additional funding provided by the Wallsend Town Business Association for completion.

Cr Nuatali Nelmes congratulated the Wallsend Town Business Association for delivering the mural project as part of City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rates (SBR) program.

“SBR funding is used for the promotion, beautification and development of our business precincts, delivering innovative and creative projects that direct benefit businesses by attracting visitation and making Newcastle’s local centres even better places to eat, drink and shop,” Nuatali said.

“The advocacy of our Business Improvement Associations in engaging with business owners to activate their precincts is vital in supporting Newcastle’s thriving business communities such as Wallsend.

“City of Newcastle is committed to delivering significant amenity upgrades to the Wallsend town centre to support businesses and residents.

“Our acquisition and demolition of the vacant building next to the Nelson Street bridge will not only facilitate future stormwater improvements under the Ironbark Creek Flood Mitigation Plan, but it has also opened up the space in front of this new mural to help create a more inviting entry point to Wallsend Park.”

The artists acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of the land on which this mural has been created, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to Country itself.

IMAGE | Chair Wallsend Town Business Association Wayne Rogers, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk, Faith& Shane from UP & UP Inspirations (left-right).