Community
20 September, 2024
Help needed to restore mural
RESIDENTS with a connection to Carranballac or its state school are invited to help restore the school’s original mural.
The history of the mural dates back to October 1964 when the Minister for Education attended celebrations at Carranballac State School No.3876 to commemorate 50 years of schooling.
A mural, created by Mary Forsyth and pupils, was hung on the north wall of the school.
The school closed in 1978 and after being stored in a woolshed, the mural was eventually moved to the town’s new community hall – built in 1981.
Unfortunately, the mural became damaged and large areas of its mosaic pieces had fallen off and become lost.
“A small group of past pupils of Carranballac State School set about rescuing the mural and last year permission was given by the Carranballac Progress Association to remark the mural as it was beyond restoration,” Elaine Anderson said.
“All the coloured areas of the design have been remade using as much of the original mural as could be salvaged.
“Now we need to complete the background.”
A working bee will be held at the Carranballac Hall this Sunday, September 22 from 10.30am-3.30pm to complete the background.
Any families or individuals connected to Carranballac and the school are invited to help out.
“Originally, the background consisted of pebbles from Lake Bolac but some of those have since crumbled and been lost,” Ms Anderson said.
“So we encourage everyone coming on Sunday to bring a few pebbles from their farm, garden or significant other place.”
The pebbles can not be too porous or soft and be no larger than an adult’s thumbnail.
“People coming along should be prepared to get glue on their hands, but it will be a lot of fun and very interesting.”
It is anticipated the completed mural will be unveiled in the Carranballac Hall on Sunday, October 6 from 1.30pm.
All past residents, students and teachers are welcome to attend.
“Both these events (the working bee and unveiling) will enable people to share stories of the mural and the school, and to participate in preserving part of the living history of Carranballac school and the community,” Ms Anderson said.
