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The Fosterville Gold Mine (FGM) Community Grant program supported the revitalisation of the Rochester Mural Trail in 2024, helping to bring the much-loved event back after a challenging year. Following the devastation of the October 2022 floods, the 2023 Rochester Mural Festival was cancelled, leaving the community eager for its return.
The festival has been a vital part of Rochester’s identity since 2015, drawing visitors from far and wide to admire the growing collection of outdoor art. With the help of the grant, new backing boards were purchased for two additional mural stands installed at Mural Park. These updates not only bring pride to the community but also attract tourists, boosting local businesses like cafes, motels, and shops.
“We’re proud to partner with projects that uplift communities,” said Trudi Jackson, FGM Senior Community Advisor. “Seeing how the Rochester Mural Festival has come back stronger and benefits both residents and local businesses is truly rewarding.”
Wayne Park, from the Mural Festival committee, shared his thoughts on the support. “The grant played a key role in bringing our vision to life. These new mural stands have renewed excitement in the community and provided an inspiring backdrop for the creativity we’re known for.”
This year’s festival will run from 29th March to 5th April, with 8 finalists painting murals inspired by the theme “Life, Love, Music.”
Agnico Eagle Fosterville acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Peoples of the Kulin Nation, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
