General News
11 December, 2025
Eye-catching addition
AN EYE-CATCHING mural will help to draw in visitors to Terang while paying homage to the rich history of one of the town’s historic storefronts.
Glenormiston-based artist Jess Fowler, who also works from her Johnstone Court storefront, was tasked with painting a mural on the side of the Josie Black Community Health Centre as part of a partnership with the Terang Progress Association (TPA).
The mural is located directly opposite a mural which Mrs Fowler had painted on the side of Fraz Family Pharmacy in 2019.
The TPA commissioned Mrs Fowler for both artistic ventures as part of efforts to attract tourists to stop in Terang.
“I was asked to create something which would be visible from the Warrnambool-side traffic coming through,” Mrs Fowler said.
“The plan was to do something beautiful on this side of the wall so people would stop, get a cup of coffee, go to the supermarket or just hang out in Terang in general.
“I think it was, importantly, to just grab attention for our community so anyone passing by might be further tempted to stop in our beautiful town.”
The design will depict a horse, cow, black cockatoo and various flowers in bloom.
In addition, the framing on top of the mural draws direct inspiration from a historic business which once occupied the space.
“I was lucky enough to spend some time with the Terang and District Historical Society, so I was able to learn more about how the building site was the Montgomery and Bradshaw department store, which was built circa 1860s,” Mrs Fowler said.
“The signage I’ve included at the top of the mural has all the original elements of the signage on Montgomery and Bradshaw, from the photographs I was able to look at and gain inspiration from.
“I wanted to incorporate that into the top part of the design which could lead into my trademark style of birds and animals, along with some blossoms.
“I’m excited to have been asked to do another piece of art for the town.
“Very blessed, very excited and very happy.”
Mrs Fowler was inundated with support, from those simply passing by as she worked to those following along with her updates on social media.
“People have been wandering past and saying such nice things,” she said.
“The immediate feedback, which has all been positive so far, is a great feeling.
“When you’re working on site and people can see you work, I always used to think that would freak me out – when I am working on canvas, I don’t like anyone watching me work but when it comes to murals it is actually the opposite.
“Everything switches and I love everyone getting to enjoy the process as much as I do, rather than waiting for the finish line.”
The mural is expected to be finished early next week, weather permitting.
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