Centenary Lane Mural
The Centenary Lane Mural was created by local artist Kyle Armstrong (Whale Tale) in early 2022.
This vibrant large-scale public art piece comprises a number of sections, or picture boxes, that each highlight something or someone local and iconic to the Gawler community. Kyle, having grown up in Gawler, was able to capture both historical and contemporary elements that celebrate the culture and identity of the Town. These varying components - historical, sporting, cultural, people of significance, interactive elements - offer points of interest for different people and groups, and in doing so, encourages community to connect through the sharing of stories, common experiences, and memories.
At the recent 2023 Australian Street Art Awards, the Centenary Lane Mural was one of thirty-four public art experiences recognised as being the best in the country. It was awarded Bronze Winner Best External Mural (nationwide) and Best Street Art Experience South Australia.
To learn about the Centenary Lane Mural you can watch a video created by Gawler Street Art Community's Daniel Down. Watch now
Mural Elements
The Redhen railcars were the backbone of Adelaide's metropolitan rail system between the late 1950s and the early 1990s. The South Australian Railways introduced the first Redhens in October 1955 to replace ageing suburban steam locomotive hauled trains. Construction of Redhens continued until 1971. TransAdelaide withdrew the last Redhens from regular service in December 1996.
A standout feature of the mural is an old style Redhen railcar rolling into Gawler Central Station with reference to the King Street Bridge that was recently demolished to accommodate the electric rail line. It also includes four locals - Michael, Daniel and Anthony Vallelonga and Luke Page - who started the successful distillery Red Hen - a venture that takes its name from the Redhen railcars that got them to and from school twenty years ago.
The Bunyip is a weekly newspaper, first printed on 5 September 1863, and originally published and printed in Gawler. Its distribution area now includes the Gawler, Barossa, Light, Playford, and Adelaide Plains areas.
This part of the mural is designed for an interactive photo opportunity, where community and visitors alike can feature on the front cover of The Bunyip. Also pictured in this section of the mural is well-known local ‘paparazzi’ photographer Daniel James Down (DJD).
Gawler has a proud history of handcrafted cricket bats made by local character Bob Fielke in his own back yard shed right here in Gawler. The history of the Fielke bat dates back to 1894 and the iconic Fielke Cricket Bat remains the only South Australian based cricket bat manufacturing setup.
This image depicts the meeting of the three rivers – the North and South Para Rivers and the Gawler River. Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this land, call it Paridla Taikunthi meaning ‘rivers coming together’. In this mural the rivers are painted in gold leaf with the other colours representing the surrounding landscape including the soil and native flora.
Pat Harbison was an amazing woman who achieved much in her 92-year lifetime. Amongst many things, she was an artist, environmentalist, scientist, council member and teacher. The mural features a wonderful portrait of Pat and depicts a number of things that Pat was passionate about including marine biology and stained-glass work. For more information about Pat go to the ‘Significant Women of Gawler Project’: http://gawlerwomen.50webs.com/html/patharbison.html
Gawler has many a car enthusiast and the late Brian Thom was no exception. This part of the mural highlights Brian’s beloved red Fastback Mustang. The ‘68 Fastback Mustang is the same model of car seen in the movie ‘Bullitt’ starring Steve McQueen featuring an iconic car chase up and down the hilly streets of San Franciso.
These three guernseys represent Gawler’s three teams – Gawler South, Willaston and Gawler Central. The chimney represents the tradition of painting chimneys in the colours of the A Grade footy and netball premiers. Each year this chimney’s colours will change to reflect the premiere teams.
A glider from Adelaide Soarers based at the Gawler Aerodrome is also featured. A frequent sight up in Gawler's skies.
