Yetman’s new mural complete

9 October 2020

RENOWNED mural artist John Murray has completed a new piece of public art in Yetman, with the local store providing the canvas for the eye catching creation.

Mr Murray’s artworks have an avid following and adorn public spaces from Melbourne’s iconic laneways to rural areas such as Gulargambone, Coonamble and Oodnadatta.

The Lightning Ridge based artist is known for creating artworks with a sense of fun and the recent Yetman work is no exception, with a fishing kangaroo promoting local angling opportunities while two charismatic emus watch on.

Inverell Shire Council mayor Paul Harmon says he’s delighted with the final result, which has already brought visitors to Yetman.

Cr Harmon commended the Yetman community for exploring new ways of attracting visitors to the village and working with Council to see the project completed.

“Yetman Store owner, George Hunt, offered the side of his store as a potential mural canvas and it’s an ideal location”.

“Overlooking the car park and visible from the road, John’s work will encourage those passing through to pull over, take a break and maybe spend a few dollars in Yetman”.

In preparation for the mural, store owner Mr Hunt set to work cladding the exterior to provide an ideal base for painting and says he couldn’t be happier with the result.

“An ugly blank wall that needed lots of attention, has finally become a sight to see in Yetman”, he said.

“When I purchased the store three years ago, I had a vision for this ugly old wall and contacted artist John Murray from Lightning Ridge about painting a unique artwork in Yetman”, Mr Hunt said.

Mayor Harmon says Council secured funding from the State Government, which was vital to the project taking place.

“It’s not the first piece of public art in Yetman – 18 months ago, the amenities block at the sports ground was painted by artist Kelly Jones and it too involved the local community in creating the final design”.

“Certainly I am looking forward to a trip north to see the finished product and I encourage other residents to do the same”.

Image: Yetman Store owner George Hunt with artist John Murray in front of the new artwork.

For further information contact:
Fiona Adams | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138, Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 6728 8288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au