Mural for shopping centre

A new mural featuring native flora and fauna has been unveiled at Deepwater Plaza shopping centre in Woy Woy.

Local artists Mr Paul Haggith and Simon Sawell created the mural which is located on the western external wall of the centre along Railway St.

According to centre manager Ms Julie Marr, the concept for the mural was initiated by the owners and managers of Deepwater Plaza to complete the refurbishment of the centre and create an exciting new focal point and attraction for local residents and visitors.

"It is hoped that the mural will become a talking point for both the local community and the wider building industry," Ms Marr said.

"It is a truly spectacular art work that has already generated very positive comments and feedback.

"The mural is a showcase of the genuine community spirit that Deepwater Plaza is renowned for and is here for the enjoyment of the Woy Woy Peninsula community and visitors to the area.

The mural was officially unveiled at a special ceremony on August 3, to celebrate the completion of the project with the Peninsula community.

The event featured a "welcome to country" ceremony by a Darkinjung Aboriginal elder as well as performances by Aboriginal dancers, local entertainers, a local school and a narration of the story of the mural.

Dr Jerry Schwartz, representing the owners of Deepwater Plaza shopping centre, and Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein were in attendance.

Ms Marr said the completion of the mural marked two-and-a-half years of planning by centre management.

"This process involved the formation of a consultative committee that included representatives from Gosford Council, Deepwater Plaza, the RTA and local art consultants.

"An expression of interest was advertised in both Sydney and Central Coast newspapers, with artists given a design brief to depict the important role of water in shaping the Woy Woy Peninsula community.

"Submissions were then displayed in the centre for the local community to vote on the mural they would like to see on the wall.

"The winning entry was by local artists, Paul Haggith and Simon Sawell, who both thoroughly enjoyed completing the project.

"The title of their mural 'Land Sea and Air' reflects its aim to create an image of the environs of Woy Woy and a connection for those that lived in or passed through the area now, before or in the future."

Mr Haggith said he was proud to be a part of the mural project that captured native flowers, sea life and birds.

"The mural has already been well received by the people of Woy Woy, if the passing comments are anything to go by," Mr Haggith said.

"During the project, we had comments from many of the drivers and commuters, and some drivers even stopped to tell us how much they liked it.

"The stylised wave reeds and fish represents the ocean, waterways and deep water thus connecting the centre and the Aboriginal word Woy Woy meaning deep water."

Press release, 27 Jul 2009 Sue Fowler, Deepwater Plaza