BrightWalls Mural - Visitor Information Centre Dromana

Image credit: Postcards from Dromana mural by Daniel van de Wiel

The BrightWalls Graffiti Mural Program is a pilot initiative transforming graffiti hotspots across the Mornington Peninsula Shire into vibrant, temporary public artworks. Using murals, artist commissions, and community workshops, the program engages local residents, celebrates local culture, and provides creative alternatives to illegal graffiti. It is the outcome of a Graffiti Management workshop facilitated by Dr Lachlan MacDowall, an academic and expert in the field, working with local Councils, with participation from Councillors, Building Maintenance, Youth Services, Arts and Culture, and external third-party asset owners, resulting in a report with solution-focused recommendations.

The program aims to reduce ongoing graffiti maintenance costs while supporting artists, fostering community participation, and enhancing public spaces. By combining arts-based strategies with place-making and participatory approaches, it strengthens community pride, improves streetscape amenity, and aligns with Council’s broader objectives for inclusive, culturally rich, and connected communities. As a pilot project, it is intended to run for one year with the potential to continue and expand beyond this period based on outcomes and community engagement.

During the pilot phase, the program will deliver two distinct projects in selected graffiti hotspots, showcasing different scales and approaches to public art. These initial projects will provide a practical test of the program’s methods, allow evaluation of community engagement and artistic outcomes, and inform the planning and potential expansion of the program in subsequent years.

(PNG, 1MB)

/files/assets/artsculture/v/1/images-gallery/brightwalls_graffiti_nov/1.png — BrightWalls_VIC_Mural

(PNG, 1MB)

(PNG, 844KB)

Image credit: Youth painting with Daniel van de Wiel

Project 1: Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre

A bold new mural has transformed the Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre in Dromana as part of the BrightWalls Graffiti Mural Project. A pilot initiative turning identified graffiti hotspots across Mornington Peninsula Shire into vibrant public artworks, created with and for the community.

Local artist Daniel van de Wiel, Director of creative collective It Stands Out, painted the mural on site from Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 December. The artwork 'Postcards from Dromana' celebrates Peninsula’s stories and character, creating a welcoming landmark for residents and visitors alike. Daniel has delivered large-scale murals for private clients, councils and government bodies, and is known for artworks that are both visually striking and community led.

His projects aim to create meaningful and joyful spaces that foster connection and belonging. Youth engagement was central to the project. Young people aged 18 to 24 contributed ideas through hands-on workshops, learning street art techniques and exploring creative expression. A dedicated youth painting session took place on Saturday 13 December, allowing participants to work alongside Daniel and directly contribute to the mural. This involvement built skills, confidence and a strong sense of ownership and pride.

“Having a conversation and working with youth on the workshops for Bright Walls created a strong sense of inclusiveness for this project. The Bright Walls mural project was about connection, community and a celebration of the local area,” said Daniel.

Download the PDF and read the Artist Statement(PDF, 518KB)

The mural was the first of two planned artworks in the one-year BrightWalls pilot. The program brought colour and creativity to local streets through murals, artist commissions and community workshops, offering positive alternatives to illegal graffiti while supporting local artists and enhancing public spaces across the region.

About the artist:

Daniel van de Wiel is a local artist and the Director of It Stands Out (ISO), a creative collective that brings together artists, designers, and community-focused businesses. With a strong track record in public art, Daniel has led the design and installation of numerous large-scale murals for private clients, councils, and government bodies.

Under Daniel’s leadership, It Stands Out has developed a reputation for delivering projects that are not only visually impactful but also deeply community-driven. ISO’s work often begins with robust consultation – from workshops and forums to youth engagement programs – ensuring that local voices help shape the final artwork.

Daniel’s practice bridges art, design, production, and installation, with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity. His projects consistently aim to create vibrant, meaningful public spaces that foster connection, belonging, and joy. With a wealth of experience guiding stakeholder engagement and integrating feedback into the design process, Daniel and It Stands Out bring both creativity and professionalism to every commission.

Share your reflections on the mural and enter the draw to win a local hamper of produce and artisan gifts

People are encouraged to visit the Visitor Information Centre, look closely at the mural, find their favourite scene and reflect on what it means to them. The BrightWalls pilot will continue over the coming year designed to support local creatives, offer positive alternatives to illegal graffiti and enhance public spaces across the Mornington Peninsula.

For your chance to win a hamper filled with local produce and artisan gifts, visit the Visitor Information Centre in Dromana and take part in one of the following ways:

Snap a photo of your favourite mural scene, share it on social media and tag @mornpenvisitorcentre, or
Pop into the Visitor Centre and share your favourite mural scene, or the Peninsula memory it brings back with our volunteers

Every photo and story helps celebrate the people and places that make our community special.

The competition is open for a limited time, with one entry per person. The winner will be drawn at 4 pm Tuesday 10 March 2026 and contacted directly.

BrightWalls Competition T&Cs(PDF, 46KB)