Councillor Jared Wright wants to see a ‘Welcome to Avoca Beach’ sign erected at the suburb’s substation and is encouraging local community groups and organisations to express their interest in designing and painting one.
The Council-owned substation is located along Avoca Dr, opposite Hillside Rd, which is the main entry point to the suburb.
Wright said the creative initiative would deter ongoing graffiti, enhance the area’s appeal and bring the community together.
“Avoca Beach is a very proud and tightknit community becoming fed up with ongoing graffiti at the site,” he said.
“The mural would be something that highlights the many aspects that makes Avoca Beach special, from our beach to the lagoon network and to Heazlett Park.”
Wright has been liaising with staff on the suitability of a mural at the site, acknowledging that the artists would need to be properly protected during the painting process, given it is along a main road.
He said the inspiration came from his time at Kincumber Primary School, where community groups painted the adjoining underpass to deter graffiti.
“I have fond memories of walking to school through the underpass under Avoca Dr and seeing the mural that was painted by a local community organisation,” he said.
Wright is seeking expressions of interest from individuals, community groups and local organisations to undertake the works.
“Projects like these bring the Central Coast together,” he said.
“I am interested in hearing from all parts of the community on this and perhaps we can all work together on a design that reflects all aspects of the local area.”
Interested community groups should contact Wright; his contact details can be found on the Central Coast Council website or through his public Facebook page.
Wright has also been working with Council staff and the Avoca Beach Community Association on improving Council’s suburb signage further down Avoca Dr, in front of the Avoca Beach Hotel.
“The current signage is not the most inspiring and I certainly think there is an opportunity to spruce it up and make it more inviting, particularly given it is an iconic destination for people right across the Central Coast,” he said.
“Both of these projects will be a great test case to see if it is something that we can extend further across the region in other areas.”
Why will it stop graffiti, they will paint it over the mural.