The proud town of Helensburgh boasts a rich sporting tradition that has prospered through rain, hail and shine. It's a resolve artist Sarah Rowan drew upon in completing newly unveiled murals across eight concrete water tanks at Rex Jackson Oval.
The artwork, commissioned by Wollongong City Council, celebrates the various Helensburgh sporting clubs that have long called the precinct home. In the spirit of the sporting clubs the work pays tribute to, Rowan battled through shocking weather and fought on through injury to get the job done.
An experienced muralist, Rowan said completing the task over roughly 350 square metres of "bumpy, thirsty concrete" was one the more gruelling tasks she's accomplished.
"Within five minutes of starting, I found myself saying out loud 'shivers… what have I gotten myself into?' she said.
"I'd dip my brush, lift it, and watch the paint blow sideways into the grass. It was a beast … but there's nothing like turning a dull or ugly surface into something that stops people in their tracks.
"As a proud Helensburgh local and artist, I'm always scanning for blank walls and overlooked spaces that could use a burst of colour. [The tanks] were crying out for some TLC, and I couldn't resist the challenge."
It continues Rowan's love affair with her hometown that saw her previous mural depicting Helensburgh product and Olympic gold medallist Saya Sakakibara and brother Kai win nationwide recognition and acclaim.
"After nearly 30 years as an artist, this year has shown me just how powerful public art can be in building connections," she said.
"When I'm working, locals often call out encouragement as they pass and it never gets old. I've met more locals than ever before. It feels like the whole town is my neighbour now. That sense of connection is priceless."
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown – no stranger to Rowan's work having earlier this year bestowed the Lord Mayor's Award for Excellence on the Helensburgh local – said the murals are a fitting tribute to the Helensburgh sporting community.
"Part of the brief was to ensure that the work was truly reflective of Helensburgh and its grassroots sporting clubs, and the final product certainly achieves that," Cr Brown said.
"As well as being a home for sporting clubs, the Oval and surrounds are well-loved by walkers, cyclists and families enjoying the outdoors. We'd heard from the community for some time that the tanks were an eyesore.
"It's wonderful to be able to find a solution through the talents of a local artist, and to enliven this much-loved community hub. The murals are a magnificent addition to Helensburgh, and a tribute to Rowan's talent and passion for her own community."
