Youth-led street art project asks an important question about our environment

The Livingstone Youth Action Group’s vision of an eye-catching mural was recently brought to life with some spray paint cans and plenty of imagination.

This youth-led street art project was funded as part of Youth Week 2020, initially scheduled to take place in April, however it was postponed due to COVID-19. 

The Livingstone Youth Action Group has been working on this project since term one, which included conducting a survey aimed at other young people in the community to assist in choosing a theme and location for the artwork.

Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, Councillor Pat Eastwood said as a result, an environmental theme was chosen in a highly visible location across from a popular fast food outlet and the Yeppoon Central Shopping Centre. 

“The group worked alongside the talented local artist Martin Schlick from Mash Designs with the aim of creating a mural that gets people asking an important question about the impacts on not only our local environment but also the global impact of things like pollution and single-use plastics,” Cr Eastwood said.

“What if the world treated us the way we treat her?” This was the chosen wording for the mural and I commend the students in their creativity as well as the important message behind the artwork. 

“The Youth Action Group represents some of the fantastic young people we have here in Livingstone who truly care about their future and the wider community.”

Cr Eastwood also encouraged young people to get involved with the group for its term four project that will focus on upcycling.

“The Livingstone Youth Action Group includes students from different year levels and schools who come together to get involved in a variety of projects aimed at creating supportive and healthy environments for young people,” Cr Eastwood said. 

“The group welcomes anyone aged between 12 to 24 years who is interested in playing a role in decisions that affect young people and developing new skills.”

The group would also like to thank the Yeppoon Show Society for its support, allowing the use of the external showground wall.

If you would like to be involved with the group, please email CDSR@livingstone.qld.gov.au or visit Council’s Youth in Livingstone Facebook page.