Share local stories and nominate artists for new mural in Newstead

Published on 17 October 2025

Mount Alexander Shire Council has announced a new mural project in Newstead and is calling on residents to nominate a treasured local story to be painted into a permanent feature of the town.

Council is refurbishing the public toilet block on Panmure Street in Newstead, which is a visitor rest area just off the main street of the town.

The block sits in a well-used car park which services the nearby community centre, IGA and other trades/community services on the main street.

The refurbishment plans offer a wonderful opportunity for a local artist to paint a wrap-around mural on the toilet block walls, with a view to decrease graffiti and create an opportunity for local storytelling.  

The mural will be in a high visitation area and create a cultural attraction close to the main trading area of the township.

Council’s Mayor, Cr Rosi Annear, said that Council is delighted to be supporting the creation of a new public artwork in a small, but mighty, township.

“We’re so excited to open up this opportunity to the community,” said Mayor Annear.

“We want to know what stories and themes they’d like to see, depicted by art in beautiful Newstead, a town already so well-known for its thriving arts and music scene”

“Once we’ve heard from the community and adapted the project based on your feedback, we’ll call for artists to apply for a paid commission to paint the mural!

“Interested artists will be able to sign up for an information session – we’ll release full details in late November.”

The community can have their say on the themes, stories and possible artists for the mural in the following ways:

• Community workshops at Newstead Community Centre - for residents, families, businesses and local property owners to participate in feedback activities and contribute ideas for themes, stories and artists:  
  - Sunday 2 November, 10.00am to12.00pm, Mechanics Hall, Newstead
  - Monday 10 November, 5.00pm to 7.00pm, Mechanics Hall, Newstead
  events.humanitix.com/newstead-mural-community-workshops        
• Have your say online and add story and artist suggestions on the Shape Page www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/new-mural-newstead
• Artist information session and skills development – ‘How to paint a mural’ artist talk and general info session on the mural expression of interest process:
  Tuesday 25 November, 6.00pm to 7.30pm, Newstead Arts Hub
  events.humanitix.com/info-newstead-mural

Image: Artist render of toilet block at Panmure Street, Newstead