Colour and Collaboration: Portland Youth Bring New Life to Flinders Park
A once-ordinary toilet block at Flinders Park has been transformed into a vibrant piece of public art, thanks to a creative collaboration between local young people and the Glenelg Shire Council.
The newly unveiled Youth Art Mural is the result of weeks of teamwork, imagination, and community pride. Participants from are-able’s Transition to Work (TTW) and Workforce Australia (WFA) programs joined forces with the Council’s Youth Team to design, plan, and paint the large-scale mural, turning grey walls into a colourful celebration of local creativity.
From the first brainstorming session to the final brushstroke, the project gave participants the chance to express themselves, develop new skills, and make a lasting contribution to their community. The mural now stands as a proud symbol of what can be achieved when young people are given the opportunity to collaborate and lead with purpose.
“It’s been amazing to watch their confidence grow throughout the project,” said Lainie Middleton, Youth Employment Mentor at are-able. “They took real ownership of the design and worked together beautifully to create something the whole community can enjoy.”
are-able is proud to have supported this initiative alongside Glenelg Shire Council, showcasing how local partnerships can empower young people to learn, connect, and leave their mark, quite literally on the places they call home.