At the end of 2008, Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services Inc (MVNS) were looking at ways to engage children in the housing estate in interesting activities while at the same time creating some community pride.  It was decided to embark on a journey resulting in the creation of a mural to hang on the wall of the local shopping centre.

Local artists Bianca van de Straat and Serge Morecombe were engaged to coordinate this feat and to utilise local children to assist.  On occasions we even had local service providers assisting in it’s creation!!  By the end of the project approximately 30 children had made contributions.  

Manager of MVNS, Caron Watkins, says that it has been an excellent project and they are excited at the prospect of doing more activities of this kind whereby the community can identify other avenues to beautify and colour the estate areas.  The story behind the mural was created by Bianca with the young people from the estate in mind.  It was aiming to reflect the path of our youth and their journeys and how it impacts on their families and communities.  We would also like it to be a sign of belonging and ownership of ‘their place’.  While it’s a piece of art it also contains clouds and a heart and a rainbow and a bowl - symbols of unity, love, support, education and hope. The perpetual statement is that of the journey itself and the good fortune that comes with youth and opportunity.

We would like to thank the many generous sponsors of this project including Stacks Finance , Whites Hardware, Housing NSW, Uncle Baz and Bushland Take Away.  An unveiling of the mural was held on 30th June with a BBQ for all involved.