Paint Australia Beautiful - Victorian Winners: South Geelong Primary School

This year's Victorian winner of the Paint Australia Beautiful Competition is South Geelong Primary School! While they didn't take out overall honors, this design and mural is a testament to the wonderful school community and talent of their students.

South Geelong’s entry to the Paint Australia Beautiful campaign reflects its deep ties to place, sustainability and community pride. After Maichi’s mural design was shortlisted in 2023, she was eager to submit another entry and returned with a renewed vision, this time supported by Year 6 Art Leader Aleahya, Art Teacher Mrs Walsh, and volunteer Caz. Students from Years 3–6 contributed patterns and details, while all Year 6 students and staff left handprints, making the project a shared legacy.

The mural centres on a Wedge-tailed Eagle, a tribute to Bunjil the Creator Spirit, surrounded by imagery that celebrates local landmarks and values. The local You Yangs Regional Park rises in the distance, Eastern Beach and the Botanical Gardens appear through coastal and plant imagery, and a V/Line train connects Geelong to Melbourne as a symbol of sustainable transport. Trees with guards emphasise the need for ongoing planting and care. The handprints of staff and students embody the people who make up the school community and their shared commitment to the environment.

The winning design

Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria CEO - Josh went to South Geelong Primary school to present them with the Victorian winners plaque. The designer of the mural, Maichi, made a wonderful speech, reflecting on all the people who contributed to the design and painting of the mural.

Her speech is transcribed here -

Good morning everyone, I'm Kitten and as you know, I designed the mural on the outside of the gym.

I based it off an artwork a few years ago where all the students in the school made a feather and stuck it on Bunjil's wings.

On day 1 of painting, we projected a digital version onto four big boards, and traced the outline of the mural. We then coloured in the big strips of colour, like the grass, water and mountains.

On day 2, we got all the grade sixes who were absent on day 1 to put their handprints on. We also got some grade six teachers to fill up the blank bits. We then did the black outline.

There are a few people I'd like to thank. I'd like to thank Mr. Gall who lent us his projector.

Mrs Norris for introducing us to the competition 2 years ago.

Haymes paint for donating all the paint and equipment.

THe girls at art club who decorated the houses and kayaks.

Paige for painting the orange mountains.

Jude, who painted the sand.

Lucy for helping us with the background.

Cass for coming in for a whole day even though she meant to help for half a day.

Aleayha who did just as much work as I did.

Mrs Walsh, who not only did all the organising, ordering the paint and even coming in on her days off, to supervise and help us this year. But who also supported us in the 2023 competition.

And last but not least, I'd like to thank everyone who voted for the mural, in doing so, you have also helped the artwork come to life. Thank you.

Congratulations to all the state finalists and winners and the overall Paint Australia Beautiful winner - Bexley Public School in New South Wales.

Maichi aka Kitten - The winning designer!

KABV CEO Josh Reid Jones, and local MP Christine Couzens at Assembly to present the award.

Students painting the giant mural, with help from Haymes Paint