A dedicated crew of residents coordinated by the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House, along with students from Warrnambool West Primary School, have been working tirelessly to brighten up their local streets as part of the Warrnambool City Council’s “Home is Where the Art is” project.
Covering trees in woollen scarves (known as yarn bombing) and using old shoes as pot plants were both put forward by local community members (along with a giant snakes and ladders game, coming in 2023) as a way of adding a splash of colour to the neighbourhood.
In 2021, a disused bus stop on Derby Street was painted by Jimmi Buscombe as part of the same project.
The trees and the boots were unveiled in Laverock Road on Friday October 28 to coincide with Walk Safely to School Day.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said that while the project added a splash of colour to the neighbourhood, the real value was in the way it strengthened connections between residents.
“It’s about bringing the community together,” she said.
“Communities are the fabric of how we live.”
Yvonne Moore moved to West Warrnambool earlier this year and said that the program had helped her meet people in her new neighbourhood. She would meet with a group weekly to knit, crochet, weave and chat.
“It’s friendly, we’re all laughing and we’ve only known each other for three weeks,” she said.
“The time just flies. We’re supposed to be meeting from one until three o’clock, then all of a sudden you realise it’s four o’clock.
“It’s like being a kid and looking forward to Christmas.”
Warrnambool West Primary School student Mitchell Lewis said that he enjoyed working on the project.
“(I liked) having fun meeting new people and getting out in the community.”
Follow the West Warrnambool Neighbourhood House on Facebook for more great activities and initiatives taking place in the area.