The agricultural heritage mural takes shape.
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The newly erected shelter in the Picola Heritage Park will soon have two new striking new murals celebrating the industries that helped build the district.
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The artwork forms part of a broader project undertaken by the Picola and District Improvement Group to preserve and showcase the town’s history while enhancing one of its most popular public spaces.
Group president Jeanette Holland said the project began with a need to replace ageing historical signage throughout the heritage park.
“We've had a set of signboards around the perimeter of the park telling the history of Picola, the heritage and how it became established,” she said.
“The signboards we had there had become weather-beaten beyond recognition, so we had to replace them.”
With support from Moira Shire Council, the group constructed a covered walkway at the entrance to the park to protect the new interpretive signage and provide visitors with a more welcoming introduction to the town’s history.
Melbourne artist Heesco working on the mural.
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Supplied
Once the shelter was complete, attention turned to the blank walls on either side.
“We thought, let's paint another mural on them” Ms Holland said.
The group engaged Melbourne-based artist Heesco to create two large murals depicting scenes from Picola's early days.
One mural highlights the region's timber industry, while the other celebrates its agricultural heritage.
“It represents the early days of the area, with horse-drawn harvesters and axemen cutting trees,” Ms Holland said.
The heritage park is already a popular stop for travellers.
Located opposite the town's hotel and café, it features public toilets, a playground and barbecue facilities, making it a convenient place for visitors and locals alike.
Ms Holland hopes the new signage and murals will help people better understand Picola’s history and the industries that shaped the community.
“I hope it gives them an insight into the heritage of Picola and district,” she said.
“It sort of developed on the back of the timber and agricultural industries, so it will give them a feel for what it used to be like.”
Beyond preserving local history, the project is also expected to strengthen tourism in the town.
Ms Holland said public art had already demonstrated its ability to attract visitors, pointing to the impact of Picola's silo art.
“Because it brings people to town, we've seen that happening with the silo art,” she said.
“Before the silo art, the hotel in town had closed and had been closed for two years.”
She said renewed visitor traffic helped spark investment in the town, leading to the reopening of the hotel and establishment of a café.
The group hopes the new heritage precinct enhancements will build on that momentum, encouraging more travellers to stop, explore the town and learn about the stories that helped shape Picola.
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