New mural and major landscaping for Fremantle Cemetery

24/11/04
One of the largest public art murals in Australia has transformed the eastern boundary of Fremantle Cemetery.
Local Government Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich launched the 100m long mural wall, depicting scenes of Australian bush and wildlife.
Ms Ravlich also announced that the cemetery's Leach Highway boundary would be landscaped and planted with native species and a grassed verge.
"This vibrant and exciting mural reminds us of the eternal cycle of life and gives an uplifting backdrop to a significant place of history, heritage and family memories," the Minister said.
The mural was painted on the wall of the adjacent Swires Cold Storage warehouse, facing into the cemetery.
Swires co-operated with Fremantle Cemetery and Work for the Dole project coordinators from the Westrek Foundation (now part of Anglicare) to make the project possible.
Ms Ravlich praised the Work for the Dole participants for persevering with their highly unusual and demanding task.
The mural can be seen as a dominant landmark from within the cemetery and from the adjacent Leach Highway.
The project was managed by the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board with funding through the Federal Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and had been endorsed as an official project of The Year of the Built Environment 2004.
The Minister also said commencing next week, the Board and the City of Melville would jointly landscape a 715m long stretch of Leach Highway, from Carrington Street to the Cemetery's eastern boundary in Palmyra.
"The new foliage screen will act as a visual and sound buffer, allowing greater privacy for people visiting the cemetery," Ms Ravlich said.
"The mural's artistic depiction of Australian bushland and the new landscaping will greatly enhance the aesthetics of the area for visitors, nearby residents and passing traffic."

Minister's office: 9213 6500