THE Kapunda Mural Town project has been turning heads (for all the right reasons) ever since the first pieces of art were unveiled in 2017.

The initiative, announced as Light Regional’s Community Project of the Year, has helped transform Kapunda’s tired street-scape into a vibrant, soulful tourism destination.

It’s also brought community members together, contributes to the strong cultural heritage of the region, showcases the artistic talent of locals and has boosted the Kapunda economy.

With no end date in site, a committee of volunteers is constantly managing the development of murals for the town, as well as organising the artists, funds and permissions necessary for the next one.

A total of 13 new murals have so far been completed, with one of the most notable, the ‘Lucas Street’ Mural currently up for an Australian Street Art Award.

The mural took artist Danny Menzel two years to complete and was painted directly by brush onto the side of a stone building.

“It had the help of about 20 other people and I think all up it was about 1000 hours’ worth of work,” he said.

“I just wanted to do it as good as possible and really enjoyed doing it – it took me away from the computer and doing something outside which I really like.

“(I’m) pretty passionate about it being a Kapunda thing as well.

“It’s one of those towns with a lot of rich history and it’s good to be able to preserve that.”

Mr Menzel said he is elated for the broader mural project to have received an Australia Day award.

“We weren’t really in it to win any awards or anything like that but it’s just nice to be recognised,” he said.

“It’s a way of knowing its being appreciated and people like it, and especially the council as well think it’s worthy. It gives it credibility.”

Vibrant art street party, Event of the Year

THE Greenock Wanderlust event was organised by a small team of volunteers but had a big impact on the community and those who attended.

The event, held as a launch to the Fringe Festival in the Barossa, has been announced as Light Regional Council’s Community Event of the Year.

It was inspired by a successful SALA exhibition, ‘Wanderlust Greenock’ and described as a ‘roving visual art street party’; the collaborative effort of a diverse group of Barossa artists based around the Greenock Village Centre.

The Wanderlust Greenock Committee was established as a small group of volunteers who co-ordinated more than 70 artists, musicians, workshops, and a range of food/beverages from local businesses, food vendors and alcohol producers.

Up to 4000 people attended the event, enjoying exhibitions, street art, live performances, workshops and music in multiple venues in the streets of Greenock.

Active Citizenship Award to Lindsay Mullins

THE Allendale North community has Lindsay Mullins to thank, for his tireless effort and contribution to the redevelopment of a brand new recreational facility.

Mr Mullins has been announced the recipient of the ‘Active Citizenship Award’ as part of Light Regional Council’s Australia Day awards.

Mr Mullins is part of a team of community members who took over management of the former home of the Allendale North Tennis Club and redeveloped the site for all to use, with tennis courts, basketball ring, shed and open area.

His enthusiasm and expertise saw him appointed as project manager to dismantle and salvage materials from the old clubhouse, as well as overseeing numerous working bees.

He was able to negotiate ‘in-kind’ assistance from service providers, local farmers and other community members to significantly offset the costs.

Mr Mullins, is also a committed member of the Kapunda Rifle club and a major contributor to the maintenance of its facility.