12 September 2007
A bright new mural celebrating the Maribyrnong River as a lifeline for the western suburbs will be unveiled at Braybrook Primary School tomorrow.
Created by the school’s 86 students, the mural shows the journey the river takes from the mountains to the city. It shows people enjoying fishing, boating and leisurely walks along the river, as well as an important habitat for flora and fauna.
The project was coordinated by classroom teacher Anthony Sabatino, local artist Jenny Coghlan and supported by City West Water.
It also built on a number of other environmental projects the Braybrook Primary School has been involved in, including Clean Up Schools Day, Give Plastic the Wrap messages placed along the front of the school, Maribyrnong Water Watch and tree planting events organised by Greening Australia and the Friends of West Gate Park.
City West Water Managing Director Anne Barker said mural project was a fantastic way to get students interested in water issues.
“Creating the mural has really engaged the students, teaching them about the water cycle and the important role water plays in our lives. I am sure it will inspire the wider community and spread the message about water conservation,” Ms Barker said.
“Young people are the next generation of water savers and projects such as this one help to build a strong culture of water conservation.”
Anthony Sabatino, from Braybrook Primary School said the project helped the students appreciate the important role water plays in their lives.
“We want our students to develop the skills and attitudes they’ll need to live in tomorrow’s world. Water is such a vital issue not only now but for the future, and we as a school are concerned about the health of our local waterways as they are so important to our community,” Mr Sabatino said.
“Our school community is culturally diverse and more than half of our students come from a non-English speaking background. The experience of designing and painting the mural was a great way of getting everyone involved in the water conservation message.”
-end-