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A Bright New Chapter for the Matthew Talbot Hostel
An oasis has transformed the interior of the Matthew Talbot Hostel in Woolloomooloo.
The Matthew Talbot Hostel Conference in Woolloomooloo teamed up with Vinnies Services in September to create a vibrant, warm welcome for the Hostel’s community in the form of a beautiful mural. Since the formation of the Conference in 2022, its members have been dedicated to improving people's experience of accessing crisis accommodation at the Hostel, as well as their journey beyond.
Based on feedback shared by Hostel residents over the years, the MTH Conference set out to raise funds to beautify the Hostel's common areas. Under the patronage of Dame Beverly Kerr DSG, they embarked on an inspiring project to transform the Hostel’s TV Lounge with a colourful mural - a concept which Beverly proposed to enhance the feeling of hospitality.
The idea was inspired by the community mural created at the Hostel’s neighbouring Disability & Inclusion Service, the Ozanam Learning Centre (OLC) in 2021, which showcased the power of collaboration and community spirit, and has profoundly transformed the ambiance of the centre.
Thus, the OLC team were enlisted to bring this vision to life. An experienced community muralist, Karla Hayes, was engaged to coordinate the project. The team consulted extensively with residents for several months to gather input on the mural's theme and feel. Guided by their input, Karla then facilitated a multimedia co-design workshop with community members. It was inspiring, inclusive work at its finest.
As excitement grew around the installation, the voice of community was overwhelmingly clear: there was a strong desire to connect with images of nature, both bush and sea, so that the mural might provide an oasis. There also emerged a strong sense that the mural would reflect the theme of mateship, which, as one resident said, “is what the Talbot is all about.”
The final design captured these themes beautifully, expressing them through the story of a dawn to dusk transition. With the community’s blessing to forge ahead, Karla and a team of residents then came together and painted for five consecutive days, creating both community spirit and a visual sensation.
Each stroke of the brush created a tangible sense of pride and connection between the Hostel and its community members, and the painters celebrated this special experience. “It’s wonderful to have an opportunity to give something back,” said one young man. “I feel I’m a part of something,” said another young man.
The mural has been positively received, having the desired effect of uplifting the atmosphere of the Hostel, “as if reaching out with open arms to welcome everybody who walks through the front door,” said MTH Conference member, Christopher Stevens.
A mural project like this has the potential for a lasting impact on culture, Chris explained. As the mural is enjoyed, it is hoped that it will serve as a reminder of warmth and compassion, fostering a more connected world.
Meet the crew and view the "making of" video here.
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