Fitzroy Crossing mural to be remade as leaders vent frustration over defacing of kids’ hard work

Fitzroy Crossing leaders have expressed their disappointment at extensive damage done to a recently unveiled $27,000 mural, and say the work will be restored to depict the resilience of the town. Painted on the Fitzroy Crossing visitor’s centre, the mural spans a previously dull 13m wall, and was painted by Gooniyandi-Bunubaand and Walmajurri man Hozaus Claire and more than 100 local kids, many of whom had never held a paintbrush. However, on the night of January 15 the mural suffered extensive damage, with large sections of paint being pulled off the wall, despite the work being graffiti-proofed. Fitzroy Crossing police are investigating the incident. Shire of Derby-West Kimberley president Geoff Haerewa said many in the community were feeling disappointed and disheartened, but stressed the damage was done by a small group, with many in the town respecting and loving the artwork. “Please don’t give up. This mural is a living, breathing artwork — not a museum exhibit — and it will see many changes and iterations over its lifetime,” he said. “Let’s stay positive and focus on this restoration project, capturing the strength and adaptability of the Valley. “I know the mural will soon be more beautiful, and alive, than ever.” Fitzroy Crossing youth engagement officer Sergeant Courtney Raebal said a community restoration project would be welcomed by the town. “We would also like to highlight that although the painting was damaged, there were well over 100 youth in Fitzroy Crossing that the painting and activities provided by the shire have had positive engagement with,” she said. “So many kids worked on and loved this project — just a small few made the mistake of damaging it. “It’s important to remember that, and keep some perspective as we move forward with the new goal of repainting.” Broome Carpet, Paint and Tile has offered to donate all the paint needed for the mural to be restored, a gesture Cr Haerewa described as “generous and community-spirited”. During the month-long construction, Mr Claire said he wanted to create a peaceful space away from social dysfunction in the town. “Painting gives the kids a chance to sit down, take a deep breath, and relax into something,” he said. “Any human that sits down and relaxes, that moment means a lot to them. “If you then see that painting you created in that moment, you can tap into that feeling of calm again.” The Shire has also sought expert advice on specialist technical and anti-graffiti methods that will offer the mural more resistance to wear and tear long-term.