TONGALA continues to turn up its street appeal, revealing three new murals last Thursday at the local Anglican church.
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Bishop Matthew Brain was there to bless the artworks, which take their place among 50 others around town.
It has been a tough few months in Tongala following the announcement of the imminent closure of the Nestlé factory, a major employer for locals.
But the street art project organisers have worked hard to counter that negativity, bringing colour, joy and the almighty tourist dollar into town.
“People come to town to look at the murals, take photos and then they spend a bit of money,” organiser and artist Murray Ross said.
“It's a great project for the whole community."
Community ownership of the project is clear and was evident in the 30 or so locals that made their way to the church for the unveiling.
Among them was one lucky lady from Kyabram whose car is now a mobile advertisement for the Tongala street art project.
Di Glare handed over the keys to her little blue car to local artists and on Thursday saw it again for the first time, after an extreme makeover.
Painted a whole new shade of blue and adorned with flowers, Di certainly won't go unnoticed as she scoots around town.
“I was in an art class that Murray was teaching and we painted my little car on paper,” Di said.
“He suggested that maybe we could paint the real thing, and I thought that was a great idea.
“It's absolutely fantastic, I can't believe it.
“I just love it. I better not do anything wrong now, the police won't have to look at my number plate to know who it is."
The Lions club-supported project also includes a mural of Moses parting the waters, Jesus walking on water and a montage of four scenes depicting Noah's ark.
If you get a chance, have a gander — it is well worth a look, and the murals have some hidden surprises that do not quite match with the Bible stories.
See if you can spot a shark, an elephant rabbit (you will understand when you see it), and of course a staple of all Tongala street art projects — a dunny.
Yes, that includes on Di's car.
Bishop Brain said he was blown away by the commitment and skill of the artists and the Tongala community.
“The heart of our church belongs with local congregations, and it is clear that this town and congregation has great humour and great gifts to share,” he said.
“My hope for all our churches both large and small is that they are finding ways to support and uplift the local community they are in, and this is a wonderful example of that."
And — as for the dunny that is now a part of the Tongala version of Moses parting the seas — he is in full support.
“Life is too serious as it is. It is great to be able to see the lighter side of life,” he said.
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