Arts for All is a community group run by Moira Shire Council, with hubs in Cobram, Yarrawonga, Nathalia and Numurkah.
The group runs workshops and events for locals and has commissioned many of the large artworks around town, including the Alfie the Rosella sculpture at Federation Park, the mural at Mivo Park toilet block and the mosaic tiles at Thompson’s Beach.
Arts for All secretary Christie Molinaro said the Cobram CFA contacted the group eight months ago to see if it could find an artist to do a mural on the brigade’s fence.
“We just jumped on it,” Ms Molinaro said.
“They’re out there supporting the community, giving up their time, and most of them work full-time as well ...so it’s just giving back.”
Cobram CFA volunteer Luke Miller said members of the brigade had wanted a mural on the side of the station fence for several years now.
After hearing about the idea, he reached out to Cobram Arts for All, which had commissioned the painting of a mural on the side of the Grand Central Hotel Pub.
Mr Miller moved to Cobram about five years ago after purchasing the Grand Central Hotel, and joined the CFA shortly after through a desire to get involved in the community.
“I think if you own and operate a business in town, and you expect people to come to your help, then you should be there to help them,” he said.
The fence the mural is to be painted on is about two metres high and 17 metres long, located on the left side of the station, facing towards Coles.
“It will definitely be good for families and the public to come and take photos with it, as we have many other murals and different artwork around town,” Mr Miller said.
Ms Molinaro said Benalla artist Tim Bowtell had been commissioned to paint the mural.
“He’s definitely a well-known artist and has done some amazing work throughout Victoria,” she said.
Mr Bowtell painted the double silos in Katamatite and has been involved in the Benalla Street Art Festival along with a range of other projects in the region.
Mr Bowtell said it was “always exciting” getting approached for a commission.
“It’s humbling that they look to local artists,” he said.
Mr Bowtell wouldn’t give too much away about the design for the mural but said it would be based on people because “people are at the heart of the CFA”.
“I really enjoy that process of trying to work out the puzzle of how to tell their story and what’s going to look good visually,” he said.
“I feel really lucky that I get to do it (painting) and that I get to make a living off doing what I enjoy.”
Ms Molinaro said the project start date was estimated for the end of April, with the mural to be completed by the end of May.
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