BrightWalls Mural Program - Visitor Information Centre Dromana

Image credit: Past mural work 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. 

Project 1: Mornington Peninsula Visitor Information Centre 

Local artist Daniel van de Wiel, Director of creative collective It Stands Out will paint the mural on-site from Saturday 6 to Sunday 14 December. The artwork will celebrate the 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 is central to the project. Young people aged 18 to 24 have contributed ideas through hands-on workshops, learning street art techniques and exploring creative expression. A dedicated youth painting session will take place on Saturday 13 December, allowing participants to work alongside Daniel and directly contribute to the mural. This involvement builds skills, confidence, and a strong sense of ownership and pride.   

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

The mural is the first of two planned artworks in the one-year BrightWalls pilot. The program will bring 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.