This wonderful mural on the Bermagui Water Tower was reproduced from an original piece of artwork. It was the inaugural winner of the $500 Bega Valley Mural Prize for 2017. 

It was painted by indigenous artist Joe McKenzie. It’s called “Sprit Dance” and was originally painted in an attempt to help Mr McKenzie’s young sons Latrell and Kobe to get to sleep, with its friendly protective spirits that ward off bad spirits.

Bega Valley Regional Gallery director, Iain Dawson said Mr McKenzie’s success was particularly noteworthy given the Indigenous artist had only recently taken up painting.

Photos 📸 by Gwenda Pullen