Young People Lead New Look for Bus Stops

Published on 22 November 2024

Three bus shelters in Howqua and Macs Cove have received new cladding and hand painted artwork by young artists, following a design competition held by Council and the Howqua Macs Cove Community Group.

Young artists submitted work responding to the theme “How community and the High Country intersect”. Three submissions were chosen, and those artists then teamed up with older local artists to bring their vision to life.

Mansfield’s Ayshia Beekman added a colourful selection of local animals to a bus shelter in the heart of Howqua with the help of Adam Baker.

Lauriston student Bella Zhang created a stunning interpretation of the landscapes of Howqua with the river meandering through the hills. She was assisted by classmates and Felicity Hayward at the bus shelter just past Howqua River Road.

At Macs Cove a playful piece designed by Lauriston student Ziggy Bailey-Wong and painted with the assistance of classmates and local artist Abigail Wettenhall depicts a group of young people waiting for their bus.

Emma Kay, Youth Program Officer at Mansfield Shire Council, facilitated the competition and the installation work.

“It was so great to see these pieces go from their design onto the bus shelters,” she said.

We really hope all the young people who use them daily for school picks up enjoy the splash of colour and the efforts of the artists.”

“We would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who submitted their designs, the students and artists who helped on the day and the Howqua Macs Cove Community Group for their help as well,” Ms Kay said.

Nick Hyslop, president of the Howqua Macs Cove Community Group, said the bus shelters looked so much better with the new artwork in place.

“It’s been fantastic to see our community come together and brighten up some of our public space,” he said.

“Projects like this make a big difference in the liveability of our local area and this one has really lifted the spirit of our small outlying community.”

“The Howqua Macs Cove Community Group is really grateful to our local and young artists and everyone who contributed. We really appreciate Council’s support and guidance in delivering the project,” Mr Hyslop said.

The artwork projects were funded by the Youth Affairs Council Victoria’s Future Proof program, a place-based program supporting young people in youth-led recovery projects and community decision-making.