Reflections by the Creek

A public building in a park is painted with large colourful abstract foliage

Artist: Matt Ling and David Hooke (MEGGS)

Year: 2025

Location: Alistair Knox Park, Eltham

This artwork was inspired by the artists’ personal connection to the Nillumbik area and co-designed with artists from a local disability service called Araluen.

This is the first mural art at a Changing Places facility in Australia, demonstrating how art can foster inclusion, community pride, and wellbeing while enhancing the built environment.

The design embraces colour, texture and balance to bring the peaceful, natural beauty of Eltham into the space. The calming colour palette draws from native Australian plants, while organic shapes and soft contrasts echo the unique landscape.

By creating a model where accessible facilities and public art intersect, this is not only a local success story but also a blueprint for future projects nationwide. It shows how local governments can champion accessibility, creativity, and community engagement in a way that enriches public spaces and fosters a sense of belonging for all.

Nillumbik Shire Council would like to acknowledge the lead artists, Matt Ling and David Hooke (MEGGS). Special thanks also to artists from Araluen, as well as representatives from Eltham Library, local groups and advisory committees who informed the final design.

Images: interior mural artwork

A spacious public bathroom with equipment for people with disabilities, the walls are covered in calm but colourful paintings of native foliage

A spacious public bathroom with walls covered in calm colourful artwork, and a sunlit door in the centre of the end wall

Image below: artists David Hooke (MEGGS) and Matt Ling working on the interior mural artwork

Two men in work gear stand in a public bathroom, there are numerous paint cans on the floor