Photo by: Marcia Legge

Mount Banks Tank Art - New South Wales

Artist: Aerosol Obsessions, Domy Dingo and Springwood high School

Location: Bells line Of Road, Near corner Of Mount Banks Road

Video by: MYST - RFS Tank Mural Project

For two days at the Mount Banks water tanks, students from various schools came together to connect, learn, and create in a shared environment. Without hesitation, they collaborated to bring the mural to life.

The first tank design celebrated the environment, featuring native gum leaves, trees, a koala, a kookaburra, and the site name. The second tank focused on culture, weaving together a story of connection, belonging, and respect for Darug land in the Blue Mountains. This design included the Three Sisters, animal tracks, and cultural symbols.

Students' handprints were incorporated to symbolise their connection to the Country—black representing Aboriginal People, yellow for the sun as the giver of life and protector, red for the earth and red ochre. Women created the red and yellow handprints, while men contributed the black and yellow. The mural honored key partnerships, including the Springwood High School totem, the Magpie, and the RFS symbol.

This one-of-a-kind program fostered deep connections and created a safe, inclusive, and trusting space, leaving a lasting impact on all involved. MYST was proud to design and execute such a meaningful initiative, working together to provide something valuable for the Blue Mountains community.

The project was especially significant for Indigenous students, allowing them to connect with their culture and express their creativity. Students also learned new artistic techniques, which they are excited to apply in their future studies. School teachers were grateful to MYST and the RFS for offering this invaluable learning opportunity.

Throughout the project, drone footage captured the process, culminating in a mural launch. Students returned to celebrate their work alongside local community members, including representatives from National Parks, the local council, and Rotary. A smoking ceremony led by Uncle Colin Lockier officially opened the tanks, honoring the students' achievements.

MYST was honored to design and manage this project, bringing together community and strengthening connections to Country for those who live on Darug land.

 Nepean Performing Arts, RFS, Rural Fire Service, Springwood High School, Street Art