That’s because all the youth involved were art students from Goondiwindi State High School and the mega painting was part of a special project designed to add vibrancy and movement to the walls of the centre.

Year 9 students and their teachers, Mrs Lesley Hawker, Mrs Cathy Woods, and Mrs Tania Walker, spent weeks planning, researching, and designing the project to ensure everything ran smoothly on the day.

The mural now graces the western side of the PCYC and stands more than 3m high and 20m long.

The school’s art department was invited to design and create the project by Donna Spink, a committee member of the PCYC.

She wanted a colourful wall to brighten up the space in the main sporting arena and had seen art students working on a community project at the town pool the previous year.

After approaching Lesley Hawker the idea grew to become the reality it is today. It now stands as a testament to the skills and dedication of the High School’s Year 9 art students and their teachers.

Mrs Hawker said she had been searching for an outlet for her talented class and this project was ideal. “There are a lot of students in this class who can draw better than I can.

“We really needed to provide them with an avenue where they could express their talents and this came along at just the right time.

“I have been so impressed with their commitment and dedication to the task.”

The curriculum at the High School is focused on providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. “When students can give something back to the community at the same time, it is an added bonus,” Mrs Hawker said.

When asked what they thought of their mural one budding artist responded, “I feel so proud to have been a part of this. This is going to be here for a long time and that makes me feel really good about myself.” And whoever said school was boring?