The completion of the Wingham Plaza Mural was marked today (May 9) with an offical opening with Mayor Paul Hogan.
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Cutting the ribbon was organiser of the re-paint Lyn McKinlay accompanied by Mayor Hogan and artist Jenny Hooper.
A small crowd gathered for the occassion including Wingham Advancement Group members. Lyn McKinlay gave a speech, as did mural artist Jenny Hooper and Mayor Hogan despite noisy trucks whizzing by.
Morning tea was enjoyed after under the trees opposite the mural.
"It all started with a letter in the Wingham Chronicle," said Lyn. The mural was originally painted 17 years ago but had started to show wear and tear - it had after all endured two floods, water seepage from the carpark and a re-development of the plaza.
Lyn received a call from the original artist, Jenny Hooper who said she was interested in repainting the mural.
Coles donated $100, a grant helped with paint and Greater Taree City Council came on board to help with the artists fees.
When Jenny began what was going to be a simple repaint, she discovered the condition of the mural was worse than expected. "It became apparent we would need to start again," said Jenny. WAG volunteers got scraping and undertook the big job of stripping it all back.
Jenny was able to start with a blank canvas and for eight months she battled the elements to complete the mural as close to original as possible.
Locals looked on and Jenny was spurred on by their encouragement and support.
"The people of Wingham were very wonderful, there was appreciation for the mural from all ages."