We’re not yet sure how the artists and designs will be chosen, but if you or someone you know would like to pitch for funding to paint a mural with a “Bushfire Volunteers” theme, please let us know and we will do all we can to ensure your design is considered.

As you can see from the GWN news video and Government media statement below, the State Government has announced $1.5m to fund a “mural trail” project, with the Wellington Dam wall being one possible canvas for your artwork.

Watch the news piece and read the media statement below and if you have a concept that honours the extraordinary work of our incredible Bushfire Volunteers, let us know and we will do all we can to try to help you get access to some funding and a big concrete canvas somewhere along this mural trail.

Zip us an email now: [email protected]

Collie’s Wellington Dam mega-mural set to draw global attention

  • Collie’s Wellington Dam to become canvas for massive new mural artwork
  • McGowan Government commits $1.5 million to complete iconic dam wall mural
  • Local and international artists called upon to take part
  • Aboriginal leaders, the Shire of Collie and Collie community to help develop final concept
  • Project part of McGowan Government’s broader strategy to boost tourism and diversify the Collie economy

Collie’s Wellington Dam is set to be adorned with a massive new mural artwork – with the McGowan Government calling upon local and international artists to take part in an ambitious $1.5 million ‘mural trail’ project.

Wellington Dam’s huge 367m x 34m wall face will provide the canvas for the mural, with the artwork having the potential to break a number of records – including becoming the world’s biggest mural completed by a solo artist.

Local, national and internationally renowned artists will be encouraged to take part in the iconic project.

With the dam wall having a surface area of more than 12,000 square metres, the Collie mural is set to dwarf the current world record for the biggest outdoor mural by a single artist – Spain’s ‘Miradas Sobre Bilbao’ – which measures just over 3,500sqm.

A series of smaller murals painted by Western Australian and South West artists will also be commissioned in the town of Collie as part of a ‘mural trail’ to support the flagship Wellington Dam artwork.

The project is expected to require abseiling to carry out dam wall cleaning and a 250-tonne crane to provide the artist access to all parts of the wall face.

The State Government will work with local Aboriginal leaders, the Shire of Collie, local businesses and the broader community to fine-tune the Wellington Dam concept.

Comments attributed to Premier Mark McGowan:

“This is an exciting proposal that will give locals and tourists even more reason to visit Collie and we expect it will be a ‘must see’ destination for visitors to WA.

“The McGowan Government continues to work to attract new business and new industries to Collie, like the recently announced Caterpillar autonomous technology training facility.

“We are also developing tourism infrastructure and attractions to make Collie a great place to live and a great place to visit. Bringing tourists to Collie delivers many flow-on benefits to local businesses.

“The mega mural will complement our plans to turn Collie into WA’s premiere ‘trail adventure town’, as well as existing tourism attractions like Wellington Dam and Black Diamond Lake. We expect it will be a ‘must see’ for visitors to Collie

“Supporting the local tourism sector is just one component of our plans to grow and diversify Collie’s economy and create jobs for locals and we will continue to work to ensure the long-term prosperity of the town.”

Comment attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

“Until now, the Wellington National Park has been something of a hidden treasure in regional Western Australia. The Collie mega-mural is another attraction that will ensure it’s not going to be hidden much longer.”

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:

“Wellington Dam is an iconic landmark of the Collie region which will get a new lease of life with this mural – giving tourists yet another reason to explore the wonders of our national park.

“The State Government will work with the selected artist and the Collie community to ensure we find a design that reflects and celebrates the history and spirit of the region.

“The dam wall provides us with a huge canvas to make an iconic and potentially record-breaking statement – to help put Collie on the tourism map, support local jobs and boost the local economy.”

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2020/02/Collies-Wellington-Dam-mega-mural-set-to-draw-global-attention.aspx