A partnership between House with No Steps and Essential Energy will see the beautification of electrical padmounts across the Manning and Great Lakes.
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Aimed at reducing graffiti vandalism, the project also offers clients of House with No Steps an opportunity to learn new skills and be involved in making positive changes in their area.
Community engagement manager for House with No Steps in the Manning and Great Lakes Jon Vine is excited about what is a long-term undertaking for the service.
With about 400 padmounts (large electrical box mounted on a concrete pad) across the region it is expected the project will take four years.
“We see it as an opportunity for our artists to express themselves through painting, community integration and our contribution to beautifying the community,” he said.
Artists taking part from the Taree group SketchABLE are Amanda Louise Wainwright, Bridgette Gordon and Tex Wooster, along with support worker Tracey Norris.
Also contributing are volunteers from TAFE.
Artist Christie Delaney is studying a diploma of Community Service, a Certificate 4 in Mental Health and Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work as a Carer. The project is part of her community deployment.
“I’m doing volunteer work as a placement,” she explained.
Prior to the project starting, the artists attended a workshop with Christie at Manning Regional Art Gallery.
Julian Downing, who is studying a Certificate 4 in Community Service is, also assisting.
“I don’t have to do volunteer work but I’ve chosen to to do it,” he said.
Each padmount will feature a different design.
“The artworks will be consistent with wherever they are located,” said Mr Vine.
“For example, if the padmount is out the front of a school it will be consistent with that.”
The first design that was painted on a padmount, located in Macquarie Street, Taree, was inspired by the the Manning River.
Artists Amanda Louise Wainwright and Bridgette Gordon said they have enjoyed the experience so far.