The Aboriginal mural will line the wall between Taree Service Centre and Purfleet. 

The mural is funded as a Work for the Dole project conducted in partnership with Purfleet Taree Aboriginal Land Council and Jobactive providers lead by Nortec Staffing Solutions.

The mural’s design was created by Indigenous artist Jason Paul Simon. Jason has designed murals including the Aboriginal mural located near Taree Sialo’s on the Manning River foreshore. 

Jason’s design incorporates the environments and animals of the Manning including Saltwater National Park. 

Earthy tones and pops of colour come together to create underwater scenes. Crabs and turtles flit throughout the scenes and the Biripi totem of a shark has its own dedicated panel. 

The work is intricate, with dot painting and patterned lines featuring inside boomerangs and other shapes. 

Jason has been mentoring the workers supplied by the Jobactive providers.

“Some of them couldn’t hold a brush,” he said. 

“I’ve taught them how to do it.” 

Donald Smith, who is working on the project through Nortec, found it natural to pick up the paint brush again.

“I loved doing art in high school,” Donald said. 

“I got away from it when I left school. But I find it relaxing to be back again.” 

Nortec community development officer James Dean said it has been a really positive project for the workers. 

“They love it,” James said, 

“They take photos of their work to show everyone what they are doing.

“Some even turn up on days they don’t have to. 

“It’s something different, and being so public and high profile, every time they drive past they can say hey, I did that. 

“It’s about taking ownership.” 

The mural will be officially launched on December 15.