Smart art: Mt Evelyn Youth Enterprise Shed facilitators Brad Colling and Kristen Beaton with mural painters Jacob and Brandon. Picture: Rob Carew
THOSE attending the Mt Evelyn Youth Enterprise Shed were so inspired after a talk from the town's RSL president, they came up with a novel way to commemorate the nation's Diggers.
The group of young people decided to paint the shed with a special mural depicting a soldier standing in front of the Mt Evelyn hills with
'Lest We Forget' written around an Australian flag.
Completed earlier this year, the mural took a week and a half to finish with four young artists coming up with the design and doing the painting.
Mt Evelyn RSL president Roger Boness said he was chuffed when he discovered the mural had been painted.
"We had no idea they were painting it. The RSL members were absolutely delighted."
Mr Boness had spoken to the group about the meaning of the word Anzac and the tradition of Australia's involvement in war.
An artillery forward observer in the Vietnam War, Mr Boness also shared personal experiences with the group, who age from 15 to 18.
"I hadn't realised we were going to get such a reaction. But evidently they appreciated what I told them."
He said the mural enhanced the soldiers' memorial gardens, because the youth shed was next to the memorial site.
"It's a lovely gesture. We are very, very pleased that we have formed a relationship with the shed group. They are a fantastic bunch of kids."
Mr Boness said the shed members have also been asked to keep an eye out on the memorial garden for them, as previously it had been a target for vandals.
YES co-ordinator Brad Colling agreed the relationship between the two organisations was a positive one.
"We didn't expect them [RSL members] to react so strongly at all," Mr Colling said.
"They really liked it and we are happy that happened. It also means the young people now appreciate what the memorial garden is all about."
Mt Evelyn Youth Enterprise Shed is open Wednesday to Friday and offers young people a place to chill out, play music or do art and engage in various community activities.
Details: 97363091.