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A new outdoor mural – created by two talented local indigenous artists – has transformed the grey walls of the McIvor Highway underpass in Axedale into a celebration of connection, and was ceremonially revealed on Sunday 17 November as part of Axedale on Show event.

Axedale on Show, organised by the Axedale Our Town Our Future (AOTOF) community group, is an event at the Axedale Community Park that encourages Axedale residents (and those living nearby), to come and learn more about their local area.

“Axedale on Show provides an opportunity for locals and others to learn more about the developments that are underway through our Axedale Community Plan, as well as the various services that are available to residents,” said Sue Stuart-Dent, AOTOF Secretary. 

“In 2022 AOTOF prepared our fourth community plan, aimed at developing community facilities to better meet the needs of the town’s growing population, with one of the goals being to increase community connections,” Sue continued.

The McIvor Highway underpass – which forms part of the O’Keefe Rail Trail – was identified by AOTOF President, Sonya Browne, as a potential site for an art project that would meet this objective, by highlighting and recognising the significance of the Campaspe River being the border between the country of traditional owners the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung people.

The idea was a regular discussion point until, towards the end of 2023, when with funding from Fosterville Gold Mine, community art facilitators, Nacho Station were asked to prepare a proposal for the project.

Reece Hendy from Nacho Station said: “When I approached Dja Dja Wurrung artist Troy Firebrace and Taungurung artist, Aimee McCartney they were enthusiastic about the opportunity to work together blending their individual styles and culture into an artwork that would celebrate their differences and inherent connection at the same time.”

“In an increasingly divisive world, it is so important to be reminded that the similarities that unite us are more valuable than the differences that divide us, and I think that Troy and Aimee have perfectly captured this,” said Sue.

“At Fosterville Gold Mine, we consider ourselves part of the Axedale community and are thrilled to have supported AOTOF with this project, delivering on a social objective that is important to the local community,” said Will Wettenhall, Environment and Community Manager.

Axedale on Show is took place at the Axedale Community Park from 10am-2pm on Sunday 17 November and began with both mobs conducting Smoking Ceremonies to ceromonially launch the new artwork at the underpass.