BrightWalls Mural Program - Dromana Tourist Centre

Image credit: Past mural work by David 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 Dromana Tourist Centre 

The Dromana Tourist Centre mural program is an exciting new public art initiative that brings colour, creativity, and local stories to one of the Mornington Peninsula’s busiest visitor hubs. Led by local artist Daniel van de Wiel, the project celebrates place and community while creating a vibrant, welcoming landmark for both residents and visitors. The mural will enhance the cultural identity of Dromana and strengthen the connection between public spaces and the people who use them. 

A key focus of the program is collaboration with young people. Through a series of hands-on workshops, participants aged 18–24 are invited to learn street art techniques, explore creative expression, and contribute their ideas to the mural design. By involving young people directly in both the design and painting process, the project fosters skill-building, confidence, and pride in contributing to a lasting piece of community art. Led by Daniel van de Wiel, this collaborative approach highlights the value of public art as a tool for engagement and inclusion, while also creating opportunities for intergenerational dialogue, shared ownership, and a strong sense of belonging.