A LOCAL skateboarder killed in a car accident in 2008, the day after his 18th birthday, has been honoured in a new mural at Taree Skate Park.
As part of the Manning's Youth Week celebrations, about 50 young people took part in the skate park mural workshop on Friday led by SnarlOne design artists.
The youths learnt the finer points of professional graffiti art during a session at Manning Regional Art Gallery, and came up with their own concepts and designs for the mural to adorn the skate park.
The designs include a wall full of Aboriginal flags, in recognition of the young indigenous population of the area, a daisy on a rocket for the girls, and images that memorialise their mate Normie (Norman Harkess).
This special mural includes Normie's name, a portrait of him and the dates he was born and died.
Youth development officer for Greater Taree City Council Bree Dennis said the end result "looks fabulous".
The aim of the workshop had been to target young people who were disengaged with school, and she was pleased to see such a turnout.
The locals had full input into the content of the mural, and the artist leading them created the basic sketches on the walls of the skate park and then handed out the spray cans for the images to be filled in.
The ownership of the murals by the local youths really fit in to the Own It theme of Youth Week 2011.
Saturday was Live n Loud in the Skate Park, which attracted 300 young people who were entertained by six bands, graffiti art and the action on the skate park.
Everyone was well behaved and had a great day, said Bree.
A disco was also held on Friday night for young people aged 10 to 15.
Youth Week 2011
Still to come:
o Slycology Chill - live music and barbecue: This is an open live event on the grass at Taree TAFE featuring the band Slycology. Free barbecue and youth service information stands on Wednesday from noon to 1pm. Contact Heidi Radcliffe on 0423 639 928.
o Books, Beats and Brad Pitt - A team trivia night based on movies, music and books held at Taree Library on Wednesday from 5.30pm to 9pm.
o Shred for Normie - annual skate competition at Taree Skate Park in memory of Norman Harkess, with activities to kick off from 9am.
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