Jacinda Ardern mural go-ahead for Brunswick silo by Moreland Council

A crowd-funded mural of Jacinda Ardern to be painted in Brunswick has been given the approval from its local council, which backed its message of peace.

This image of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hugging a woman will be painted on silo in Brunswick. Picture: Hagen Hopkins

A giant mural of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to be painted in Brunswick has been approved by Moreland Council.

The crowd-funded mural, to be created on a silo on Tinning St required a permit before any paint could be added because the privately owned building is part of a heritage overlay.

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But the council had no hesitation in unanimously approving the permit, which will image of Ms Ardern hugging a woman in a show of solidarity following the Christchurch terror attacks.

The mural raised more than $11,000 to cover its costs within 24 hours and has been approved by the nearby Coburg Islamic Centre.

Moreland Mayor Natalie Abboud hit back at backlash for the mural, which included an online petition to have it replaced with an image of an Australian.

The Brunswick silo is set to be painted. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“I understand there are many, many people in the Australian community and beyond that do great acts but this was aimed specifically at this particular great act which happened across the ditch,” she said.

“It’s a misnomer that people in Moreland don’t support each other, and that they don’t support the Islamic community, and that they don’t support art.”

Cr Oscar Yildiz said the mural promoted diversity and peace in Moreland.

The council will also provide equipment for a launch of the artwork, once it is completed by artist Loretta Lizzio.

Painting is expected to begin next week.

In other news from the council meeting on Wednesday night:

• The council agreed to work with the Level Crossing Removal Project to save trees in Coburg’s Gandolfo Gardens.

Trees in Gandolfo Gardens. Picture: Sarah Matray

• The gardens sit next to Moreland railway station and are under threat as an area to store equipment during the installation of skyrail on the Upfield train line. The council will ask to keep the gardens clear from any equipment and ask to use vacant land south of Moreland Rd instead.
• The community health aspect of Glenroy’s Wheatsheaf Community Hub could be filled with the council to lease space at the hub to health provider Cohealth for a 20-year term.
• The council is likely continue its commitment to funding CERES in Brunswick East until 2025 after approving a draft agreement. The funding for following years is yet to be determined.
• Christmas decorations in Glenroy will be boosted this festive season when the council brings forward $50,000 funding to purchase more decorations in the next financial year.