The Kookaburra is more than just a bird for the Gosnells Bowling Club.
It’s a symbol of pride, history and now, collaboration.
Last week Tuesday, the club had a special morning tea to thank a group of Southern River College students who created a new mural featuring the iconic bird. The artwork now hangs in the clubhouse and is a reminder of the strong ties between the club and its community.
For year seven student Peniel Franylle, being chosen to take part felt like something truly special.
“I was very excited,” she said, “Only a few people got picked, and I was happy to be one of them. I don’t usually get to do things like this.”
Peniel had never done a community project before, but when her teacher, Miss Page, asked if she’d help with a mural, she didn’t hesitate.
The project started with an email from the bowling club asking if the school would be interested in working together on an artwork for the newly painted clubhouse walls. Art teacher Gayle Page said she jumped at the opportunity.
“I have an extension art group and thought it would be a great fit. The students did drawings, tonal sketches of kookaburras, and then we brought them down to the club for approval. The club members picked the ones they liked, and the kids chose the background,” Ms Page said.
The mural took shape across a term, with students working after school to bring it to life.
For the club’s chairperson, Fay Burton, the project was about more than filling an empty wall.
“We’re a community club. We wanted to involve young people and thought instead of hiring an artist, why not get the school involved? We’re lucky they said yes,” she said.
The kookaburra, which features on the club’s logo and glass doors, made perfect sense as the subject. Fay said the painting now belongs to the club: “that’s ours now”, and it will remain in place for all to see.
Deputy Mayor Serena Williamson, who attended the event, praised the project as a perfect example of intergenerational connection.
“This is what community is about; schools working with local groups to create something lasting and meaningful,” she said. “These Year sevens have done amazing artwork. I hope they realise how much this means.”
She encouraged other young people to get involved where they can.
“Once you start, you’ll find there are so many ways to make a difference.”
Club president Hazel McGinty called the mural “outstanding.”
“It’s a great opportunity to involve students. This shows what they’re capable of. It’s very rewarding,” she said.
She hopes the project sparks more like it.
“I’d love to see more of this in our community. This is the kind of spirit we need; people of all ages coming together.”
As Peniel put it, being part of something so visible made her feel proud.
“I feel special,” she said with a smile.
