A BELOVED Macksville mural featuring proteas has been given a reprieve from destruction as new tenants vow not to touch the iconic art.
Previous tenant Odd Molly is moving online and alarmed locals have expressed their concerns for the future of the town’s creative landmark.
“The artwork is eyecatching, original, beautiful and really brightens a mundane part of town, giving it colour and culture,” Sue Gilbert of Bellingen told News Of The Area. “It’s just breathtaking and too good to destroy.
“Works of art should be treasured and protected by the town. It belongs to everybody,” she said.
Jessica Crossingham, of Gumma, said she believed the mural should be preserved.
“It’s so beautiful to come over the bridge and see it,” she said.
Isabella Last recently moved to Nambucca from Victoria, and loves the mural.
“It’s gorgeous,” Ms Last said. “We need something like this where people get out of their cars and take a photo, then start walking the streets of Macksville to look further.”
New tenant Brayden Perry grew up at Scotts Head, attended Macksville High, has 25 years hospitality experience and is currently a bakery barista.
Brayden and his wife, Janelle, have a vision to provide restful refreshment in the heart of town and are due to begin tenancy in coming weeks.
Brayden said he and Janelle loved the building and had no intention of changing it.
Artist Bastian Allfrey’s 2025 artwork was partly crowd funded but the mural’s long-term future is not yet assured as the building is privately owned, leased, and subject to agreement that presently does not specify preservation of the mural.
The current owners have indicated that they have no intention of painting over the mural but, as the building is currently for sale, this may depend on future commercial agreements.
Nambucca Valley Council told News Of The Area that they had no power to intervene in private agreements but were supportive of beautifying Macksville.
By Sharon JANE
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