The level crossing removal project at Mt Derrimut Road will soon be brightened by artwork created by hundreds of local school students.
More than 350 students aged 6 to 12 from Deer Park West Primary School contributed to the 3-part mural, with many painting self-portraits. The artwork shows current and former students and, in the background, trains that symbolise past, present and future.
The mural will be replicated on temporary fences near Deer Park Station, where crews are building a new rail bridge and elevated station.
The students’ art project began with the support of the Level Crossing Removal Project in 2021 and celebrates the school’s 50th anniversary.
Principal Senka King said the project highlighted the power of art to connect communities and spark a smile.
“This initiative with the Level Crossing Removal Project was a chance to create something purposeful and real,” Ms King said.
“Children can contribute to something beyond the school and beyond themselves. They can walk past this mural and say, ‘That is me’.”
Deer Park Station has an average 153 train services a day, and the boom gates at Mt Derrimut Road can be down for up to 60% of the morning peak. Removing the level crossing will make travel easier and safer for school students and the 23,000 vehicles that pass through every day.
Guided by art teacher Julie North and education support officer Kim Handley, the students experimented with acrylic paints.
“As soon as they started mixing colours, they started to understand what goes with what and to enjoy using paint,” Ms Handley said.
Replacing the level crossing with a rail bridge will make an enormous difference to the students delayed at the boom gates in the morning, Ms King said.
“We acknowledge that some children are late because of the delay at the level crossing. The school community will be very happy when the level crossing is gone and the station completed. It will make our lives so much easier,” she said.
The mural will remain on display until the new Deer Park Station is complete in 2024.
Major works are well underway, with 8 giant Super T-beams installed earlier this month. The beams will form the support for the 2 elevated platforms. The station will include a new bus interchange, secure bicycle parking, landscaping and pedestrian and cyclist paths.
Removing the crossing will make the Geelong and Ballarat lines level crossing free between Deer Park and the city.
